Scottish Tourism Alliance

The Scottish Tourism Alliance AGM & Networking Event
2024-09-24 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ
Members, Patrons and Supporters of the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) are invited to join our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking, which will take place on Tuesday 24th September, 10am to 12pm, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
The AGM offers an important opportunity for the STA network to catch up with colleagues and make new connections whilst also hearing about and having their say on key organisational matters.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
(Please note: timings are subject to change).
-10:00 –11:00hrs: Registration and networking over tea & coffee
-11:00 – 11:30hrs: Scottish Tourism Alliance Annual General Meeting (AGM)
-12:00: Event concludes
An Official Notice of the AGM and Proxy Form will be sent to all lead member contacts shortly, with joining instructions and official papers sent to those registered at least two days prior to the event.
Please note: this event is for STA members, patrons and supporters ONLY and is free to attend. Unfortunately, there will not be an option to join this event online.

Fair Work in the Hospitality Industry Report Launch Event
2024-09-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ
The Fair Work Convention is pleased to launch the findings of its Inquiry into Scotland’s hospitality industry.
This two year Inquiry involved research and extensive engagement with employers and workers in hospitality. The Inquiry report considers fair work practice in the sector. It provides learning on what is working and what issues might exist, and offers insights into what steps employers can take to strengthen fair work outcomes in their businesses. The Inquiry makes recommendations for the Scottish Government, unions and employers and the Hospitality and Tourism Industry leadership Group. These recommendations are designed to support and enhance fair work in Scotland’s hospitality industry.
Join Hospitality Inquiry Co-Chairs Linda Johnston, Auchrannie Resort and Satnam Ner, Fair Work Convention and Prospect, along with the Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur MSP. The launch event will also hear from Scotland’s hospitality industry leads.

Doing Tourism Differently: Sustainability in Travel
2024-09-27 09:30 - 16:00 | Bruntsfield, Edinburgh, 69-74 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HH
Invisible Cities is excited to invite travel and tourism professionals and experts, or simply anyone interested in sustainability and impact in travel to attend this event packed with great speakers, conversations and ideas!
The purpose of the day is to discuss how we can create impact through travel, how communities can get involved and or benefit from the development of tourism as a sector, or they can be involved in the design of activities, products etc.
We have designed the day so it includes presentations, panels and workshops, with breaks in between for hot drinks and lovely food.
Hosted by the lovely Bruntsfield Hotel in Edinburgh on September 27th, the day will be packed with different themes: see the full agenda below. Refreshments and lunch (vegetarian) will be provided.
Your ticket will not only give you access to the full day but will also support the work we do at Invisible Cities, training more people who have experience homelessness in the UK.
First of all our emcee for the day will be Sian Downes, an award-winning event planner and social entrepreneur. She will keep attendees right when it comes to timing, question asking and information taking.
The day will look like the following:
9:30 to 10am ARRIVALS: Breakfast will be available
10am START of the day by Sian Downes & Introduction remarks: Zakia Moulaoui Guery- Invisible Cities Founder & CEO
10.30am – 11.00am Visit scotland- Why sustainability is important to our industry
11.00am – 11.30am Shaon Talykder/ Geotourist- How to measure sustainability through data.
COFFEE BREAK
12.15pm-1pm Panel Discussion : How to make tourism more diverse & accessible?
-Euans Guide
-Passion4Social
-Dr Constantia Anastasiadou- Napier Univesity
LUNCH
2pm- 2.20pm Words from our sponsors: Edinburgh City Pass
2.20pm – 3pm Peter Wilson/LeithForth: What cruise liners can bring to Leith in Edinburgh
3pm – 3.45pm Workshop 1: Creating authentic stories in travel- LIVE WORKSHOP by Catherine Warrilow ( This is available to up to 20 people only and we will need confirmation of your attendance when you purchase a ticket)
OR Panel on Community Tourism Examples
-Marketing Manchester
-SCOTO
3.45pm Closing remarks
From 4pm Networking over tea, coffee and cake!
Upon purchasing your ticket, the full agenda with speaker bios will be sent to you directly.
This event is kindly sponsored by Edinburgh City Pass: a locally crafted product designed to help our visitors to see more and save more.

Regional Thistle Awards 2024: South of Scotland
2024-10-03 18:00 - 23:30 | Peebles Hydro, Innerleithen Road, Peebles, Scottish Borders, Eh45 8LX

Regional Thistle Awards 2024: Highlands & Islands
2024-10-04 18:00 - 22:00 | The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, Culcabock Rd, Inverness, IV2 3LP, United Kingdom

Key trends in experiences: The outlook for tours, activities and attractions webinar
2024-10-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Online, United Kingdom
Presented by:
-Douglas Quinby – Co-Founder and CEO, Arival
-Angela Skelly – CCO, Travel Curious Ltd
Moderator:
-Rachel Read – Director of Insight and Business Improvement, ETOA

Join us for:
Visitor experiences—everything travelers do in-destination—are undergoing major changes. From evolving traveler preferences and booking methods to new product, technology, and distribution trends, these shifts are transforming how travel experience creators and sellers operate and plan for the future. Join this special online event, in partnership with ETOA (the European Tourism Association), as Arival Co-Founder and CEO Douglas Quinby discusses the key trends shaping the in-destination industry and what they mean for tour and activity operators, visitor attractions, travel resellers, and destinations.
Douglas will be joined by a panel of European tourism leaders including Angela Skelly, CCO of Travel Curious Ltd. and others who will share their insights into the state of experiences in Europe. The panel will be moderated by ETOA Director of Insight and Business Improvement, Rachel Read, Don’t miss it!

Visit East Lothian: The Power of Film Tourism and Online Travel Agents
2024-10-22 09:30 - 16:30 | Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU
Join Visit East Lothian for an exclusive tourism event during East Lothian Business Week! This free event is open to all tourism businesses based in East Lothian.
Date: Tuesday, 22nd October 2024
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU
A fantastic line-up of speakers will share their expertise and insights to help you grow your business and navigate the dynamic world of tourism.
The day will be structured into two informative sessions, you are welcome to attend the morning session, afternoon session or the full day.
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦
Learn how film tourism can increase visitor numbers and boost economic growth. Understand the process of becoming a film production location and find out how to register your site for potential film projects.
𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐬)
Hear from industry experts about leveraging OTAs for your business and gain valuable knowledge on effectively utilising online travel platforms to enhance your online presence and reaching more visitors.
Don’t miss out – register by Friday, 4th October 2024. Register here: https://ow.ly/yPqv50SS11g

Heritage Careers Week
2024-10-28 - 2024-11-01

The SLTN Awards 2024
2024-11-07 18:00 - 23:30 | Hilton Glasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow, G3 8HT

Save The Date: ASSC Regional Gathering - Glasgow - Elevate Your Self-Catering Business on 12th November 2024 with the latest marketing strategies and trends
2024-11-12 | Glasgow, United Kingdom

Cairngorms Business Partnership Conference - Unlocking Potential: Strategies for Growth, Safety and Engagement
2024-11-13 09:00 - 15:30 | Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore, PH22 1PN
CBP Conference 9-10am registration and networking at the Trade Stands, 10am prompt the Conference will start.
We aim to provide you with the connections, insights, tips and the know-how to implement these in your business.
Speakers – We are delighted to be joined by Mark Gallacher, Cybercrime Protection Officer for Police Scotland providing the tools to enhance your online safety and business cyber resilience. Rene Looper, Founder & Managing Director, Tuminds Social Media will guide you through a fast paced session focusing on the latest digital strategies, with practical advice on how to enhance your website’s appeal, improve SEO, engage effectively on social media and improve your online presence.
Pick 2 workshops to attend when you book – Jane Cooper, founder and Managing Director of Access & Inclusion UK will focus on practical tips to increase your share of the accessibility market, whilst improving visitor experience for all. Join Olly Davies, Head of Communications & Engagement, CNPA to discuss the importance of branding and explore how your business can make the most of the FREE resources on offer, from using the National Park logo to taking part in targeted campaigns. If you have always wanted to work with the travel trade but not sure how to start, Visit Scotland travel trade workshop is for you – Cassie McEwan, Industry Relationship Manager, VisitScotland will revisit the landscape of travel distribution market insights and trends. Andrew Storey, Birchwood Financial Planning, Partner Practice of St. James’s Place will look at how the recently announced tax changes in the Budget could affect your financial planning. For more details on the Workshops CLICK HERE.
NEW for 2024 – introducing a networking lunch in the Osprey Arena providing more opportunities to make connections, seek advice and build cross-sector relationships.
Delegate rate frozen for 2024
-Early booking day delegate rate: CBP members £40.00 + vat, non members £50.00 + vat.
-Full rate from 14.10.24: CBP members £45.00 + vat, non members £55.00 + vat.
Recycle with Reboot – Bring along your old IT equipment for recycling on the day through ReBOOT. It’s free with a secure data destruction service, takes place: 09:00-10:30.
Start the day refreshed – Special rates for delegates – Relax at Macdonald Aviemore Resort and start the day on the right note, £92.00 per person B&B, £120 with Dinner. Contact the Resort and quote ‘CBP conference 13-11-24’
Trade stands – Covered table, access to power, exhibitor listing – to secure your stand or find out more on any of the above contact Yvonne.
Please advise if you would prefer NOT to have your name/business name included in the delegate list. Photos will be taken at this event.

ASVA Annual Conference 2024
2024-11-14 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom

Agritourism Conference 2024
2024-11-18 - 2024-11-19 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom
The Scottish Agritourism Conference will take place at Perth Concert Hall on Monday 18th (full day) and Tuesday 19th (half day) November 2024.
More details to follow. Sponsorship enquiries.

Wild Scotland Autumn Conference - Expanding Our Horizons: International Trade and Nature Tourism in Scotland
2024-11-20 09:30 - 16:30 | Fishers Hotel Pitlochry, 75-79 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry, PH16 5BN
After a 5-year pause, the Wild Scotland Autumn Conference is making a grand comeback. This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by the best minds in our industry.
Our Conference is more than just a gathering – it’s a chance to reignite your passion, gain invaluable insights and forge lasting connections with like-minded professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rising star.
Join us for a day filled with exciting discussions, networking opportunities and insights into Scotland’s diverse wildlife, culture and our guests. This in-person event will be held in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, providing the perfect backdrop for our gathering. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious about Scotland’s wild beauty, this conference is the place to be.
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating your businesses and Scotland’s rich wildlife and cultural offering.
Guest speakers already confirmed as part of our programme are:
-David Symes from the Adventure Travel Trade Association who will be hosting an interactive session on ‘Developing Adventure Tourism for the International Market’. The session will be audience led and topics will include, who is your customer, working with the international travel trade and policies and procedure.
-Patrick O’Shaughnessy from VisitScotland will share the latest ways to ensure you are visible online, including modern booking systems, working with Online Travel Agents and Google Things to Do.
-Rebecca Gibson, Scottish-based outdoor writer and photographer and author of the recent Bradt Guide on Slow Travel in North East Scotland.

Scotland's Cruise Conference 2024 - What Works for Tourism
2024-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, KY12 8QH
2024 has been another year of growth for cruise ship calls around Scotland’s ports, with the season extending well into November. Looking forward, 2025 promises new cruise line calls at Scottish ports, while at an industry level there is growth in both the size of vessels, and in the capacity of the luxury and expedition market. Cruise lines are looking for excursions which are ‘ungoogleable’ in Scotland, conversations on cruise in recent times have raised the question of a tourism levy.
What does this mean for Scotland’s tourism offer?
Scotland’s Cruise Conference 2024 – What Works For Tourism will consider the issues and opportunities raised for the Scottish tourism industry and local tourism businesses.
Our programme will include input from cruise lines, international cruise networks, and international industry experts. Following last year’s event, we will also explore the data which is available, and how it might help you to plan. It is also hoped to find space for some ‘speed dating’. As always, the sessions will be interactive. At these events delegates are always participants.
The conference is being held at the Glen Pavilion Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline KY12 8QH between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 21st November 2024, and is supported by Welcome to Fife, Diageo, Lothian Buses and Forth Ports Ltd.
The attendance fee is £70 and will be invoiced prior to the event. Early bird bookings at a discounted price of £60 for those registered by Tuesday 8th October.
No cancellation refund within 14 days of the event.
The event is targeted at Tourism Networks and National Tourism Organisations, not individual businesses.
To reserve your place, please contact Peter Wilson at info@cruiseforth.com by 2nd November 2024.

Scottish Thistle Awards 2024 National Final
2024-11-21 18:00 - 23:30 | Hilton Glasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow, G3 8HT

ARIVAL | ACTIVATE EDINBURGH 2024
2024-11-23 - 2024-11-25 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
23-25 November 2024
EICC The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Join the travel experiences industry event of the year dedicated to the UK, Ireland and the Nordics region markets. At Arival | Activate Edinburgh 2024. you’ll network with industry experts and your peers from across the region, learn about the latest trends in tours, activities, and attractions and get inspired by insightful sessions on tech and marketing innovation that will help you and grow your business.

HIT Scotland Christmas Party 2024
2024-11-28 19:00 - 2024-11-29 01:00 | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow, G3 8QT

The Scottish Tourism Alliance Patrons and Business Leaders Christmas Social
2024-12-03 18:00 - 22:00 | The Social Hub, 15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow, G1 1TQ, United Kingdom
Details and timings TBC.
By invitation only.

Cruise Business Seminar 2025
2025-01-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Double Tree By Hilton, North Queensferry KY11 1HP, Double Tree By Hilton, North Queensferry, KY11 1HP
Invitation
You are invited to attend a Seminar focussed on businesses who may wish to develop opportunities arising from the cruise ships which visit the Forth and the Tay each year. The focus is on businesses who have an offer that may feature as a shore excursion.
In 2025 over 130 cruise ship visits will take place, involving around 200,000 passengers and crew. Not only will cruise ship passengers be on ‘day visits’, many will be beginning or ending their cruise on the Forth or the Tay, and will require pre/post cruise accommodation or other services. Some ships stay overnight.
Are you already a cruise friendly business, operating within 90 minutes of the ports of Leith, Newhaven, South Queensferry, Rosyth or Dundee (and even Greenock)? If you would like to know more about the opportunities, or believe you have something to offer, then this seminar is for you.
The event is organised by award winning CruiseForth, a project that is entering its second decade, and will be attended by cruise excursion representatives.
Please register you interest as soon as possible, and by 8th January at the latest. NUMBERS ARE RESTRICTED AND IN 2024 WE CLOSED BOOKINGS EARLY. We normally only allow one representative per organisation.
Register by contacting Peter Wilson, CruiseForth Project Manager, as soon as possible. To allow us to cover costs there will be an attendance fee of £45, which will be invoiced in advance. (No cancellation within 7 days of the event). For those attending, who choose to advertise or renew advertising on the CruiseForth Website and App, then £10 will be deducted from the annual fee (£80) on registration or renewal.
Contact Peter Wilson on info@cruiseforth.com

HIT Scotland Talent Conference 2025
2025-02-06 09:00 - 17:00 | Voco Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

ScotHot 2025
2025-02-26 - 2025-02-27 | SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom

The Scottish Passenger Agents' Association Presidents Dinner
2025-02-27 19:00 - 23:00 | Glasgow, United Kingdom

SCOTO Conference
2025-02-28 | Montrose

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025
2025-03-03 - 2025-03-07

The Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception
2025-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP, United Kingdom
Kindly sponsored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Details and timings TBC.
More information and registration coming soon.

Scotland's Marine Tourism Conference 2025
2025-03-05 09:00 - 17:00 | The Waterside, West Kilbride

Scottish Tourism Month 2025: The Signature Conference Workshops
2025-03-10 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Designed to educate and engage, our two interactive workshops will give you the opportunity to explore themes crucial to the success of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry: Net Zero, Destination Management and Leadership, Business and Finance, and Technology. Hear from experts and those with lived experience in these core areas, before breaking out into groups to share insight and best practice with industry peers.

Scottish Tourism Month 2025: The Signature Conference Evening Gathering
2025-03-10 18:00 - 22:00 | Signet Library Edinburgh
Join us for an evening at the stunning Signet Library to celebrate Scottish Tourism Month! Enjoy the very best of Scotland’s food and drink, connect and catch up with industry peers, and settle in for enlightening stories from our special guest speakers.

Scottish Tourism Month 2025: The Signature Conference
2025-03-11 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
The flagship event of Scottish Tourism Month returns for 2025.
As always, the event will bring together leading voices and experts from a broad range of sectors for a day packed with speaker presentations, panel sessions and plenty of opportunities to network with all those connected to the industry.
Whether you’re a business owner or manager, supplier or aspiring leader, this is an unmissable event, with attendees given access to the latest insights, trends and forecasts for travel and hospitality, the economy, and policy as well as an update on the progress of Scotland Outlook 2030, Scotland’s National Tourism Strategy.
