Scottish Tourism Alliance

The STLN Awards
2023-11-02 | The Hilton, Glasgow, 1 William St, Glasgow, G3 8HT, United Kingdom
The SLTN Awards are back on the lookout to find Scotland’s best venues, operators and staff. If you or someone you know should be recognised, don’t delay your submission! Entries are now open via our online entry form.
Businesses can submit entries for up to three of the 23 categories, which fall into four key areas, including; Venue/Operator, People, Speciality Drinks, and Outstanding Individual.
View the award categories and entry questions to prepare your submission or head straight to the entry form here and apply today.

Our Tourism Community Conference - Uist and Barra
2023-11-01 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Cnoc Soilleir Limited, South Uist, Daliburgh, HS8 5SS
Join Outer Hebrides Tourism for their Conference 2023 in South Uist on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 09:00am. This exciting event will take place in the new Cnoc Soilleir Building, Daliburgh.
They are delighted to host their first conference in four years, a chance for us all to celebrate our tourism community after a number of difficult years.
We will explore the latest trends and innovations in the tourism industry and discover new strategies to attract visitors, enhance customer experiences, and boost your business. You’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights from successful industry experts and business owners
This year businesses will also have the chance to nominate themselves for the inaugural Our Tourism Community Awards (more to come on this soon!).
Mark your calendar and be prepared for a day filled with inspiration and celebration. Register now to secure your spot at the Uist & Barra Tourism Conference 2023 and be part of the future of tourism.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL 5PM FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2023
Please get in touch with Eileen at enquiries@outerhebridestourism.org if you need any help.

2023 Outer Hebrides Tourism Conference: Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist
2023-11-01 | Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist

STA AGM & Autumn Conference
2023-10-31 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) AGM & Autumn Conference 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 catch up with colleagues and create new connections.
Our carefully curated programme has been designed to support and empower the tourism and hospitality industry, and all those connected to it, to thrive in the present but also well into the future, as we collectively work to deliver on Scotland’s vision to be a leader in 21st century tourism.
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 Scotland Outlook 2030, Scotland’s National Tourism Strategy. They will also benefit from invaluable advice and actionable learnings both for tackling challenges and capitalising opportunities that they may be facing in the industry now and in the future.
**Speakers already confirmed** include leading communications practitioner, Cathy MacDonald, Digital Marketing and Technology evangelist Stephen Whitelaw, and Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, Richard Lochhead MSP.
This year’s event will also feature an exhibitor hall, with the chance to meet with suppliers and supporters of the industry. For more information on becoming an exhibitor, please email events@stalliance.co.uk.
Members of the Scottish Tourism Alliance are invited to join our annual AGM, which takes place at the EICC prior to the conference. For members who only wish to attend the AGM, please register for an AGM ticket. Please note: the AGM is for STA members only and the AGM ticket does not grant access to the main conference.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
More information coming soon. Please note, timings are subject to change.

09:15 –10:30hrs: Registration and exhibitor hall opens
10:00 – 10:30hrs: Scottish Tourism Alliance AGM (STA members only). Non-Members are welcome to network and visit the exhibitor hall during this time.
10:40 – 12:45hrs: Session 1
12:45 – 14:15hrs: Lunch, networking and exhibitor hall
14:15 – 16:30hrs: Session 2
16:30 – 17:00hrs: Networking and exhibitor hall

SPONSORSHIP
A select number of sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact events@stalliance.co.uk.
EXHIBITORS
For more information on becoming an exhibitor, please email events@stalliance.co.uk.

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards
2023-10-27 | The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, Culcabock Rd, Inverness, IV2 3LP, United Kingdom
The 18th Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards will take on Friday 27 October 2023 at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.
The Awards showcase and celebrate excellence and achievements in the food and drink industry in the region – from world-renowned businesses to small innovative producers.
If you’re considering entering your business in this year’s Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, but aren’t sure if it’s worth your time and effort, here are just some of the reasons why we think you shouldn’t put it off any longer:
-It costs nothing
-The online entry process is clear and simple
-There is a wealth of interesting categories to suit all businesses big and small
-You can enter as many categories as you feel are relevant, therefore increasing your chances with minimum extra effort

Brexit and the Challenges Facing Scotland's Hospitality & Culture Sectors
2023-10-21 10:30 - 14:00 | Strathclyde University Business School
Brexit and the challenges facing Scotland’s hospitality and cultural sectors – workshop and reception.
A chance the hospitality, tourism, culture and the creative industries to send clear messages to politicians about what reforms are needed to Brexit .
Saturday 21st October at Strathclyde University Business School, 199 Cathedral St, Glasgow
Doors: 10.30am – ends 2pm.
The distinguished journalist and broadcaster, Alf Young, will chair this very important event.
Speakers include:

Katrina Brown, a director of The Common Guild, the Glasgow-based visual arts organisation,
Claire Moran, senior producer at the international audio arts company, Cryptic,
Baillie Annette Christie, Chair Glasgow Life and City Convener for Culture,
Leon Thompson, Executive Director, Scotland, Hospitality UK
Marc Crothall , Chief Executive, Scottish Tourism Alliance.
Emma Congreve is a Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow and Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde

A panel discussion with audience Q&As will follow individual contributions.
Entry is free and by ticket only. Numbers are strictly limited, so please book early.
Hospitality and culture are cornerstones of the Scottish economy. Leaving the EU has made life more complex, expensive and challenging for businesses, cultural organisations and individuals.
If you run a business or work in hospitality, music, theatre, sports management, tourism, events, exhibitions, conferences and allied fields this workshop is for you.
Join leading figures from the hospitality, culture and tourism sectors in discussing what needs to be done and how to persuade the political decision makers that reform of the agreement between the UK and EU is urgent.
Our aim is to provide a platform for these sectors to say what they want from governments (particularly the UK government) in areas like EU work permits, employing EU citizens, traveller bureaucracy and so on. With a general election imminent and growing appreciation that the UK needs to reset relations with the EU, EMiS wants to contribute to creating greater public awareness of the issues facing the Scottish tourism, hospitality and culture sectors. The aim is to influence policy makers in London, Brussels and Edinburgh.
The purpose of the event is not “Brexit bashing”: but a grown-up analysis and debate around the issues any new government must address to help keep these sectors healthy, profitable and globally competitive.
This event is promoted by Glasgow Loves EU and the European Movement in Scotland.
Entry is free and by ticket only. Numbers are strictly limited, so please book early.

Zero Waste Scotland: Reduce food waste, increase profits
2023-10-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Online, United Kingdom
Are you a hospitality business that’s keen to cut food waste, but unsure where to start?
The scale of food waste is staggering. The equivalent of one in every six meals served by settings in Scotland is thrown away, costing the Scottish hospitality industry a whopping £10,000 per venue per year.
Join Zero Waster Scotland on Tuesday 10 October to hear from Gerry Boyle, Hospitality Partner at Zero Waste Scotland, who will outline a newly launched four-week challenge to help you measure your current food waste, and develop an action plan to make reductions and grow profits.
During the webinar we will cover:
The impact of food waste on the food service sector and the environment
Financial benefits of food waste reduction
Tools and interventions to reduce waste
Additional support available from Zero Waste Scotland
Tackling food waste is one of the easiest things we can all do for the environment…when we know how.

Walk for wellbeing, Glasgow
2023-10-08 | Strathclyde Park, United Kingdom
Registration is open for the 2023 Walk for Wellbeing which invites the tourism and hospitality industry to put on their walking shoes and join Hospitality Action to take strides towards promoting better wellbeing for all whilst raising funds to support its vital walk.
The wellbeing of the people of hospitality demands our collective attention. Currently over half of those contacting Hospitality Action for support directly reference mental health issues. The overwhelming majority are also struggling with household debts, with many facing the threat of court action or eviction. Nearly half are working in front-facing roles, including bar staff, waiting teams and baristas.
Since the start of 2020, Hospitality Action have helped more people than ever, answering 26,809 helpline calls and delivering 6,753 face-to-face and over-the-phone counselling sessions. But there is still so much more to do.
STA Patrons, DAM, will again host the 20km walk in Glasgow on Sunday 8th October 2023 – a fun, flexible event in Strathclyde Park.
Can’t make the day? Between Saturday 30th September and Sunday 15th October, encompassing World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October, you can Walk It Your Way – Your Location. Find out more here.
Find out more and register here.

DYW Ayrshire Skills Conference
2023-10-03 09:00 - 12:30 | Ayrshire College, Hill Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 3HY
The Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Conference will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd October, 9am to 12:30pm, at the Ayrshire College Campus in Kilmarnock.
The event, which is free to attend, will give local employers the opportunity to hear about the support available to upskill their current and future workforce whilst also giving a platform to allow them to speak about the challenges in recruiting in their sector and help to identify any gaps that the partnerships can address.
It will focus on three sectors; Build Environment, Engineering and the Visitor Economy.
Find out more and register here.

Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards
2023-09-22 | The Chester Hotel, 59-63 Queen's Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 4YP, United Kingdom
Entries are now open for the 2023 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards. This year’s awards, organised by a volunteer committee of tourism professionals, will include four new categories; Celebrating Thriving Communities, Inclusive Tourism, Climate Action and Tourism, and Hospitality Employer of the Year.
The eleventh annual Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards take place at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday September 22 2023 and aim to recognise and reward excellence across the industry. All our winners progress automatically to the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final.
Whether you’re a large hotel or a small guest house; an upmarket restaurant or a casual coffee shop; front of house or behind the scenes; a manager driving up standards or a taxi operator driving visitors, there’s an ACSTA category just for you.

Fostering Inclusive Employment Opportunities: International Best Practice from India and Scotland
2023-09-18 09:30 - 14:00 | Glasgow Kelvin College, 123 Flemington Street, Glasgow, G21 4TD, United Kingdom
Join us at Glasgow Kelvin College, 123 Flemington Street, Glasgow, G21 4TD on Monday September 18th at 9.30am . This event will showcase international best practices in fostering inclusive employment opportunities.
The College’s partners from India, Lemon Tree Hotels and Muskaan, will share their unique approach to training and employing people with additional support needs. Scottish partners will share their own insights and success stories. The ultimate aim of the event is to secure support from employers, partners and government to create inclusive work environments that value diversity and empowers individuals with additional support needs. Whether you’re an employer, partner or support agency, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from both India and Scotland.
Parking is very limited at the College but there is a regular train service to Springburn Station and several buses from Glasgow stop close to the College.

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2023
2023-09-07
Celebrating the best of Scotland’s exceptional food and drink scene, The Excellence Awards shine a light on the incredible businesses that call this unique country their home. For over 22 years, this event has brought together the finest Scottish producers with key influencers and decision makers across the sector. Underpinned by people, passion, and perseverance, it is an opportunity to toast to our industry’s fantastic achievements of the past year, whilst looking to the future and supporting the next wave of innovation and creativity.
The Awards explore specialist taste categories for quality food and drink, alongside business categories championing noteworthy, tenacious organisations. Our expert judging panel, made up of key buyers, influencers, and chefs, work to reward and reflect on the hard work and determination behind each entry. From brand new start-ups to industry giants, these awards are for you.
Of course, with a room full of foodies, the night itself includes the opportunity to try out some of Scotland’s best produce. We can’t wait to take you with us once again as we experience a true taste of excellence.
Entries for this year’s Excellence Awards are now open, enter now!

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight
2023-09-02 08:00 - 2023-09-16 17:00
Supporting & promoting Scotland’s produce, the people who grow it, make it and sell it.
Every September, Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight celebrates the people, products and places that are championing our industry.
Producers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice, hospitality, regional food groups and ambassadors. It is time to celebrate the work you do day in, day out to get quality Scottish food and drink on our tables.
Discover what’s on your doorstep
Our nation’s larder is one of the most diverse in the world, and although we don’t mean to, it’s easy to forget that the products we enjoy day-to-day, or during special occasions, are brought to us by hardworking people operating right under our noses.
This year we’re focusing all of our efforts into encouraging the country to discover the incredible produce from their regions and the businesses across Scotland that are stocked in everywhere from shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to delis and markets.
The gin you enjoy on a Friday evening. The fruits you savour on a summer’s day. The beef and roasted potatoes you share with family on a Sunday afternoon. This year’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is all about celebrating the people across our industry’s supply chain that make all that possible.

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
2023-08-03 08:00 - 2023-08-13 17:00
The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will take place in Glasgow and across Scotland, from the 3rd to 13th August.
With over 8,000 cyclists and more than 1 million spectators expected, the Championships will shine a spotlight on Scotland. Events at venues will be held in Glasgow, Glentress Forest and Nevis Range. Events on the road network will be held in Glasgow, Perthshire, Dundee, Stirling, Dumfries, between Balloch and Glasgow and between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Hosting an event of this scale will have an impact on the day to day running of the transport network. Our road and public transport network will be much busier than normal and there will also be some road closures associated with the event which might affect your business.
As the region gets ready for the Championships, now is the perfect time to start planning so that your business, your staff, your customers and visitors are ready too. Different locations will be affected on different days, at different times and with different impacts.
An update on transport and travel, with tips on how to prepare your business for the event can be found here.
Get Ready Glasgow is the campaign for all the communication and engagement work to keep Glasgow open for business and moving in the lead up to and during the event. More information and a Business Ready Guide is available to download from the website here.

Grounds For Recycling
2023-07-25 08:00 - 2023-08-13 17:00 | Glasgow, United Kingdom
From 25 July-13 August, you can cycle over to a #GroundsForRecycling venue, grab a cup of coffee, and know those coffee grounds are being turned into something better for the planet.

In collaboration with the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the campaign will see over 50 of Glasgow’s most loved hospitality venues divert 100% of their used coffee grounds from landfill.

Instead, the grounds will be collected by e-cargo bike provider Urb-it and taken to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, where they’ll be turned into compost to capture carbon, rehabilitate soil and support biodiversity.

If you’re a keen cyclist, coffee drinker, or sustainable change maker, you can find out more at groundsforrecycling.co.uk.

Train to become a CPD-certified Green Champion
2023-06-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Online, United Kingdom
Rising energy costs, the climate emergency and increasing consumer pressure continue to challenge the way that businesses across Scotland manage their environmental performance.
The Green Champions online training course is already helping organisations across Scotland prepare for this challenge by providing knowledge, tried-and-tested techniques, best practice examples, and free tools and templates.
This free webinar, designed for small and medium sized enterprises, will pack the entire Green Champions foundation course into one session. Join and get the skills and knowledge that over 4,500 other professionals have already learnt through the Green Champions training course.
Grab your free space at our training webinar and you will:

-Learn valuable new skills and acquire knowledge in areas such as staff engagement, energy efficiency and recycling.
-Enhance your CV with CPD-certified training.
-Get free access to time-saving tools, templates and tried-and-tested-techniques.
Join the training and you will be able to help your business:

-Reduce its energy, water and raw material use and play its part in tackling climate change.
-Increase its profits and create a competitive advantage.
-Get access to free support and possible funding to improve business efficiency.
-Demonstrate its commitment to the environment and win new customers.

Royal Highland Show
2023-06-22 08:00 - 2023-06-25 17:00 | Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB, United Kingdom
The show has something for everyone, from competitions to shopping, live music and tasty food and drinks – It’s the one place you can meet, touch, smell, taste and take home the best in the country.

How to monitor your energy use to stay in control of your bills and carbon footprint
2023-06-21 10:00 - 10:45 | Online, United Kingdom
Good measuring and monitoring helps you stay in control of your business’s energy use, costs and environmental impact. Knowing how to effectively measure and monitor energy use is a valuable skill that all organisations should learn, regardless of size or type of operation.
Join this webinar and learn how to start measuring and monitoring your energy use (or to improve your current methods).
We’ll cover everything from understanding your data requirements to setting effective KPIs for your organisation.
You will learn:
-How to find savings by identifying wasteful behaviour.
-How to use performance information to boost your staff engagement activity.
-How to estimate the savings your energy efficiency projects achieve and impress senior management and financial planners.
-How to quickly identify the unexpected and hidden problems that arise and that also increase your organisation’s energy costs e.g. faulty equipment or misuse of equipment.
-How to benchmark your business’s performance and make informed decisions going forward.

Scran Awards 2023
2023-06-19 | Platform, Glasgow, United Kingdom
National World Events are proud to launch The Scotsman Scran Awards with 16 category awards to recognise Scotland’s flourishing dining, drinking and hospitality sector.
The event will welcome over 200 attendees from across the industry as we celebrate the very best in Scotland and recognise the vital role that this sector plays in the economic success and profile of the country.
Guests will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, meal, entertainment and of course the awards themselves. It will be a must attend event for those working within or keen to target those within the Scottish food and drink scene.
Nominations close May 19, 2023.

National Marine Planning Forum
2023-06-15 10:30 - 16:00 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Register your interest to participate in person at the first National Marine Planning Forum event, hosted by Marine Scotland Directorate, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, EH3 8EE on 15th June 10.30am – 4.30pm.
The Marine Planning and Policy division of Marine Scotland Directorate are hosting their first National Marine Planning Forum as part of a wider suite of events within the National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) stakeholder engagement process. The forum will be an opportunity for stakeholders to:

Feed into discussions around certain aspects of the plan
Hear from other teams within Marine Scotland and how they link to national marine planning
Network with other stakeholders

Lunch and tea and coffee breaks will be provided.
Spaces to attend in person are limited and if interest is high, we cannot guarantee you an in-person space. You will, however, still have the opportunity to attend virtually as the event will be live streamed .

The deadline for registration is Friday 5th May. We will be in touch shortly after to confirm your reservation and in person attendance.

Non-Domestic Rates: 2023 Rating Revaluation
2023-06-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Online, United Kingdom
Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, will be joined by Billy McKaig, Director, WYM Rating to discuss the following issues relating to the 2023 Rating Revaluation. Topics to be covered include:

Impact of the 2023 Rating Revaluation
Financial Implications
Rates Relief
Rates Appeals – changed administrative requirements
WYM Rating’s view of current issued 2023 assessment

This 1-hour workshop with questions & answers session at the end, if time permits.
Please submit questions in advance to anna@assc.co.uk

How to sell and market LGBT+ travel
2023-06-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, United Kingdom
With the LGBT+ travel market estimated to be worth between £170 – £176 billion annually, destinations, operators and agents are increasingly recognising the need to understand how they can better support the LGBT+ community.
From learning which destinations to recommend to same sex couples and transgender travel to identifying how best to support LGBT+ families booking holidays, this latest seminar from TTG busts myths and misconceptions, highlights the destinations marketing themselves to LGBT+ people and offers key tips and advice on how to sell and market to this all important sector.

Club HR: Managing mental health and stress in the workplace
2023-06-12 10:14 | Online, United Kingdom
This event is part of a series and is suitable for HR professionals or those with responsibility for managing staff.
76% of individuals in the UK are experiencing moderate to high levels of work-related stress. Our experts, Molly McGrady and Elspeth Drysdale, will discuss how to manage mental health and stress in the workplace.
The webinar will cover:

How to identify signs of stress, anxiety or depression
Managing absence at work
Obligations on employers and the associated risks
How to ensure good practice in your workplace

Our Club HR events are run quarterly throughout the year. If you can’t attend this event but are interested in learning more about Club HR or future events please contact the events team at events@andersonstrathern.co.uk.

Scottish Agritourism Roadshow visits Aberdeenshire
2023-06-12 09:07 | Marshall’s Farm Shop, A96 Kintore, AB51 0XD, United Kingdom
This agritourism networking event is open to anyone with an interest in growing agritourism in Scotland including members of Scottish Agritourism.
You can attend any one of our events regardless of where you live in Scotland.
This event is an ideal opportunity for members of Scottish Agritourism to come together, meet each other, network and share experiences.
Tickets are £12 including supper or free without supper.

Friday 9th June: Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards
2023-06-09
Entries are now open for the 18th Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.
Entries close Friday 9th June 2023.

ETAG Business Briefing - Edinburgh Fringe 2023
2023-06-08 08:30 - 10:00 | Kimpton Charlotte Square, 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ, United Kingdom
Join the ETAG team for a Business Briefing on Thursday 8th June, timed to coincide with the launch of the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe programme! This will be an exciting day as the full 2023 Fringe programme will be revealed and you’ll have an opportunity to hear from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society on what’s happening this August.
As well as hearing more about the full programme, you’ll also find out about how you can get involved with plans for this summer and maximise the opportunity to reach the thousands of visitors and artists flocking to the city for the world’s largest cultural festival.
This will be a live event, so it will also be a great networking opportunity, giving you the chance to catch up with with colleagues and make some new contacts.
Agenda*
-8.30am – Registration & Networking
-9.00am – Welcome from ETAG
-9.05am – Presentation on Fringe 2023
-9.30am – Q & A session
-9.45am – Close
*Timings are indicative only & subject to change

Scottish Borders Event Industry Consultation Workshop
2023-06-07 11:00 - 15:00 | The Great Tapestry of Scotland, 14-20 High Street, Galashiels, TD1 1SD, United Kingdom
The Scottish event sector, Scottish Government, Local Authorities, and VisitScotland are working together to review and update Scotland’s national events strategy (2015 – 2025) – Scotland the Perfect Stage – extending its term to the end of 2035.
Under this strategy Scotland has successfully established a global reputation for excellence in event planning and delivery, supporting a strong and dynamic events industry, producing a world-class portfolio of business, sporting and cultural events, that contribute significant economic, social, and cultural benefit to Scotland.
A key stage in the review and update process is a 14-week public consultation. The online consultation and survey document was launched in March and the consultation exercise remains open until 30 June 2023. The consultation provides the opportunity for all parts of the public, private and third sector that play a role in Scotland’s world-class event industry to have their say in the development of the future strategy.

Dementia Tourism Workshop
2023-06-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, United Kingdom
To Support Dementia Action Week and Scottish Dementia Awareness Week we are offering free workshops to help the travel, tourism and hospitality industry to welcome the dementia community into their venues to enjoy their excellent hospitality.

Glasgow City Region Event Industry Consultation Workshop
2023-06-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Online, United Kingdom
