Cairngorms Business Partnership Conference
2023-11-06 | Aviemore, United Kingdom

Our Tourism Community Conference - Lewis and Harris
2023-11-09 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | An Lanntair, Stornoway
Join Outer Hebrides Tourism for their Conference 2023 in Stornoway on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 09:00am. This exciting event will take place in An Lanntair, Stornoway.
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 Lewis & Harris 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.

Scottish Thistle Awards 2023
2023-11-10
For almost 30 years, The Scottish Thistle Awards have been recognising and championing the very best of the Scottish tourism, hospitality and events industry. The Awards honour the very best individuals, businesses and partnerships for their innovation, excellence and success.
By winning a Scottish Thistle Award, you join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country, providing inspiration to peer and supporting tourism growth.
Click here to read more about what’s new for 2023.
The National Final will take place in November 2023 – date yet to be confirmed.

Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards - Climate Seminar
2023-11-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness
Royal Bank of Scotland are headline partners of the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards, and category sponsors of the Climate Action award. As part of our commitment to leading the climate change discussion, we will host a seminar on the afternoon of the awards to support customers, businesses, and stakeholders in the tourism & leisure sector on their transition to Net Zero.
Many businesses in the tourism & leisure sector across the Highlands & Islands are unaware of the impact that climate change is having on the industry. Join us for this insightful session as we aim to demonstrate the real-life impact of not addressing the climate crisis, as well as highlighting the commercial opportunity in proactive mitigation.
This seminar will feature a keynote session and Q&A from Alison Wood of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute. The session will also feature local business case studies from those who have participated in the ECCI Climate Springboard Programme.

Scottish Careers Week
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-17
Scottish Careers Week is taking place from 13th to 17th November 2023.
Delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), in partnership with a wide range of local and national partners, Scottish Careers Week will feature events and activities to help people of all ages to explore, understand, and manage their career choices, and the services and resources available to support them.
A toolkit, featuring specific ideas and inspiration for schools, employers and careers practitioners on how to get involved in the week, can be accessed here.

ASVA Annual Conference 2023
2023-11-14 09:30 - 16:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the ASVA Cultural Connections Conference after a three-year hiatus! Join us on Tuesday 14th November at the prestigious Perth Concert Hall.
Cultural Connections will bring together visionary leaders and experts from all over the country within the visitor attractions sector to share their experience with you. The conference will provide attendees with benchmarking and best practices, unparalleled networking opportunities and, of course, the chance to come together to socialise and celebrate at the end of a long season. We’re also delighted to let you know that Cultural Connections sees a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises (ACE), to provide you with an enhanced programme, making it simply unmissable.

Innovate with Lochaber Ideas Week 2023
2023-11-14 09:45 - 17:00 | Highland Cinema, Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ, United Kingdom
Tourism is a major economic driver in many countries, and the success of a tourism destination depends on a number of factors. In this event, we will discuss what makes a tourism destination attractive to visitors, and how to market and promote a destination to attract tourists. Whilst considering the content of the Outdoor Capital Strategy and what it needs to look like for the imminent future.
So what makes a tourism destination?
There are many factors that contribute to the attractiveness of a tourism destination, including:
Natural attractions: These include things like beaches, mountains, forests, and wildlife.
Cultural attractions: These include things like historical sites, museums, and art galleries.
Events and festivals: These can be a great way to attract visitors and generate excitement about a destination.
Amenities and infrastructure: These include things like hotels, restaurants, transportation, and healthcare.
Safety and security: Visitors need to feel safe and secure when they travel, so this is an important factor for any tourism destination.
We will hear from Destination Thought Leaders along with those involved reimagining their own destination in Italy and Ireland.
We understand that businesses want to market and promote our tourism destination and by understanding the factors that make a tourism destination attractive, and by effectively marketing and promoting the destination, we can attract visitors and boost the economy of our region.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a number of other things that can contribute to the attractiveness of a tourism destination, such as:
The local people: Visitors want to feel welcome and appreciated when they travel, so it is important that the local people are friendly and welcoming.
The cost of travel and accommodation: Visitors need to be able to afford to travel to and stay in your destination.
The ease of getting around: Visitors need to be able to get around your destination easily, so it is important to have good transportation infrastructure in place.
By considering all of these factors, you can create a tourism destination that is attractive to visitors from all over the world.
Further information on the day to be announced.
Tickets:
Member tickets are £20 +VAT
Non-Member tickers are £25 +VAT

Shetland Tourism Conference
2023-11-15
TBC

Shetland Tourism Conference
2023-11-15 08:00 - 17:00
The Shetland tourism conference will reflect on the positive season just passed as well as the challenges facing the industry, while thinking ahead to the development of a new tourism strategy for the isles.
The event will provide an opportunity for networking, and to attend the AGM, which will be held immediately after the conference, at which there is an appeal for committee members and office bearers.
Anyone who would like to register for the conference on 15 November should contact  info@shetlandtourismassociation.org

ASSC Regional Get-Together
2023-11-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Ps & Gs Church, Edinburgh, EH1 3HP
The ASSC invites you to their Regional “Get-Together” Event aimed at businesses & organisations involved in the self-catering sector.
Forty-five years ago, a group of inspired individuals came together to promote the vital traditional self-catering sector, and to underpin a commitment to our core principles: quality, integrity, cleanliness, comfort, courtesy and efficiency.
In this very special year for ASSC, join us for an opportunity to meet other members of the short-term let community, to praise and celebrate the resilience, hard work, tenacity, professionalism and dedication of our members and colleagues.
In this, perhaps one of the most challenging years our sector has ever faced, in the wake of a global pandemic, we look forward to a brighter future.
Your support inspires our determination, and we look forward to standing together in the journey ahead.

Date: Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Ps & Gs Church, Edinburgh, EH1 3HP

Speakers:
Fiona Campbell, CEO ASSC: Regulation Roundup
An opportunity to hear the very latest on Short-Term Let Licensing and Planning Control Areas, and the Scottish Government’s Implementation Review, as well as the review being undertaken by the Regulatory Review Group. In addition, an update on the proposed Visitor Levy, the Second Homes and EPC consultations and other challenges on the horizon.
Louise Dickins, Managing Director, Dickins Edinburgh: Planning Judicial Review
An update from the Petitioners on the status of JR2 judicial review, following the hearing in the Court of Session on 8th November.
Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Industry Manager (Development), VisitScotland: Growing Trends in Tourism and How to Capitalise on Them
Refreshments will be served, generously sponsored by Tunnocks and Tanki.
Despite the ongoing challenges that we face, as an association, our vision is that the ASSC takes the leading role in supporting and promoting a vibrant and prosperous self-catering sector that is recognised as pivotal to the future of Scotland’s Tourism Economy. Our purpose is to empower our diverse and professional membership, enabling them to deliver exceptional experiences to guests. Our focus is on supporting individuals, businesses and communities in the promotion of Scottish self-catering as a sustainable, inclusive and responsible form of accommodation, at the heart of Scotland’s tourism offer.
Our commitment to the self-catering sector remains steadfast, and we are wholeheartedly dedicated to advocating for its future.
Your support inspires our determination, and we look forward to standing together in the journey ahead.
In a challenging industry landscape, collaboration with friends, colleagues and industry professionals is more important than ever. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather together and understand how to navigate the future.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Be part of the future of Scottish Tourism
Event Pricing

ASSC Members: Attend for FREE as a member benefit.
Non-Members: £25 + ticket fees
Valued Partners: Enjoy complimentary access as part of your partnership benefits.

Join the ASSC Offer
If you decide to become an ASSC member after attending, we’ll discount the £25 attendance fee from your membership (valid for up to 10 days from the event).
You can explore various membership categories at www.assc.co.uk/join-us
Getting There

There is no parking available at the venue
There are excellent public transport links via tram, bus, or train as well as multi-storey carparks within a few minutes walk.

Come and connect with like-minded operators, industry stakeholders, and our dedicated partners who champion your business interests.

Scotland's Trade Fair Spring & Speciality Food Show 2024
2023-11-21 09:30 - 2023-11-23 17:00 | SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom
Held at the SEC is Scotland’s biggest trade fair!
Taking place from 21 – 23 January 2024, companies exhibit thousands of products to trade buyers from the likes of department stores, online outlets, tourist attractions, farm shops, delis and independent retail stores.
Our exhibitors are gift and food wholesale suppliers from Scotland and other areas of the UK showing a range of products from greetings cards to home interiors to coffee to chocolate.

Orkney Tourism Conference
2023-11-22 | Orkney, United Kingdom
Registration and details for this event will be uploaded shortly.
If you have any questions, please contact: admin@destinationorkney.co.uk

Highland Tourism Conference 2023
2023-11-28 | The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, Culcabock Rd, Inverness, IV2 3LP, United Kingdom

BH&HPA Scotland conference
2023-11-30 | Dynamic Earth, United Kingdom

Scotland's Cruise Conference 2023
2023-11-30 13:00 - 17:00 | Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
What Works for Tourism will be held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Halls on Thursday 30th November 2023 from 1pm to 5pm. The Event will reflect on the record breaking season just concluded and assess what opportunities exist for tourism businesses around Scotland in 2024 and beyond.
Speakers will include Cruise expertise from Europe and in Scotland, and Shore Excursion Leads from Cruise Lines visiting Scotland in 2024. The conference is directed at national tourism organisations, regional networks and major attractions and offerings.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Peter Wilson at CruiseForth – info@cruiseforth.com – Please note that there will also be a workshop event for tourism business in the Glasgow are in the morning of 30th November. Enquiries on this event also to Peter Wilson

Deadline to enter 2024 Orkney Tourism Awards
2023-12-01

South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) Package Travel & Linked Travel Arrangement Compliance Webinar
2023-12-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, United Kingdom
Package Travel & Linked Travel Arrangement Compliance: Join Our Exclusive Webinar on Package Travel Regulations
In a busy tourism industry, staying abreast of regulations can be challenging, do you know if the current regulations affect you, or how proposed changes may open up new opportunities? If you are offering add-on and extras, the regulations may affect you.
That’s why we invite you to an essential webinar on Package Travel & Linked Travel Regulations, featuring insights from industry experts Matt Gatenby, Senior Partner at Travlaw, Erika Miller, Package Travel Lead and Andrew Powell, Package Travel Advisor from the UK Government’s Department for Business & Trade.
Date & Time: Friday 1st December at 13:00hr Book Here: LINK
Why Attend?

Current Regulations Decoded. Explore how these regulations could directly affect your business operations. From booking processes to customer communications.

Insights from Travlaw: Matt Gatenby, a leading authority in travel law, will dissect the proposed changes to the existing regulation.

Government’s Call for Evidence: Get a first-hand account from Andrew Powell and Erika Miller, representing the UK Government’s Department for Business & Trade. Understand the current call for evidence on Package Travel Regulations and learn how your input can shape the future of industry compliance.

BOOK NOW!
What are the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 provide consumers with protections for two types of holiday booking – packages and linked travel arrangements (LTAs). Packages are formed of two or more elements (such as transport and vehicle hire) made under one booking. The Regulations place requirements on package holiday organisers, including that they will be responsible for the performance of all elements that make up the package.
An LTA is formed when a looser connection of travel services is purchased in relation to the same trip. The regulations require businesses to make clear at the time of booking whether an LTA is being purchased and what protections are associated with it. Travellers who purchase LTAs do not benefit from the same rights that they would do if they bought a package. For instance, there is no requirement for any one party (such as the trader that facilitates the LTA) to be liable for the performance of all the travel services that are part of an LTA. This reflects the nature of an LTA as a looser booking of connected services.
The Department for Business and Trade launched a twelve-week Call for Evidence on the Package Travel Regulations 2018 on September 20th 2023, open until 13th December 2023. Please see Press Release and Package Travel Call for Evidence.
The Call for Evidence tests whether existing regulation is proportionate and effective. We are seeking views on the scope of the rules, including whether the same protections should be in place for international and domestic holidays and whether a minimum cost threshold for the rules to apply would make the regulatory burdens more proportionate. We are also seeking feedback on areas where the regime could be clearer, such as by changing the approach to currently named “Linked Travel Arrangements” and how other tourist services form part of a package. Throughout the Call for Evidence, we are inviting views on how the rules have operated across the last five years, particularly through the Covid pandemic. This includes inviting views on whether reforms should be brought forward so the rules can work better for consumers and businesses when there are extreme extenuating circumstances.
Looking forward to engaging with you on this, and if anyone wants to reach out to us outside of the Webinar they can contact us on PackageTravel@businessandtrade.gov.uk

STA Patrons & Business Leaders Event
2023-12-05

Scotland's Trade Fair Spring & Speciality Food Show 2024
2024-01-21 09:00 - 2024-01-23 17:00 | SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom
Held at the SEC is Scotland’s biggest trade fair!
Taking place from 21 – 23 January 2024, companies exhibit thousands of products to trade buyers from the likes of department stores, online outlets, tourist attractions, farm shops, delis and independent retail stores.
Those exhibiting are gift and food wholesale suppliers from Scotland and other areas of the UK showing a range of products from greetings cards to home interiors to coffee to chocolate.
Featuring the STA Spotlight Sessions from Midday-1pm on the 22nd and 23rd.

Explore Islay and Jura Destination Conference
2024-02-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Kilchoman Distillery
More information TBC.

ETAG Conference 2024
2024-02-06 12:00 - 17:00 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Join us and industry colleagues at the ETAG Conference 2024 – the “must attend” event for everyone with an interest in Edinburgh’s visitor economy.
As always, we will kick off with a networking lunch between 12:00 – 13:00, followed by a great line up of speakers providing their insights and expertise, plus opportunities to network with colleagues and make new contacts.
This year’s Conference Programme will include updates on Edinburgh’s visitor economy activity and developments and highlight the latest tourism trends and insights.
The much loved ‘Spotlight Sessions’ are still a firm fixture on the programme, where you’ll hear about some of the exciting projects coming to the city over the coming year or so. Watch this space!

ETAG 2024 will be delivered with the generous support of, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, VisitScotland, Lothian, and Blendology.
Full conference programme coming soon.

Scotland's Industry Leadership Groups Symposium
2024-02-07 09:00 - 16:00 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Scotland’s first Industry Leadership (ILG) Symposium will take place on Wednesday, 7 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from 09:00 to 16:00.
The day will include a combination of presentations and videos that will provide the audience with insights into the priorities and focus for Scotland’s 15 key business sectors.
Attending on the day gives all delegates an excellent opportunity to be involved in a ‘strategic think tank’ for industry and to network with leaders of business across a variety of sectors and many who work in the government portfolios that support the sectors. The core purpose of the symposium is;
Enhancing knowledge: exchange information with fellow ILG sectors
Showcase best practice/innovative thinking: sharing knowledge across sectors
Collaborative working: create a network across the ILG sectors
Identify clear actions: what can the industry do for itself and working collectively, towards maximising and unlocking potential.
The programme for the day is still being finalised and details soon in the coming weeks.
Thanks to the very generous support of the EICC and others we are pleased to say that delegate ticket prices have been kept exceptionally low.
If you or your business is interested in being an event sponsor or taking a table top exhibitor stand then please in the first instance register your interest by emailing Marc Crothall at Marc.crothall@stalliance.co.uk

Supporting the H&I Tourism & Hospitality industry
2024-02-07 10:00 - 14:30 | Inverness
This event is delivered in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and it is aimed at businesses and organisations operating within the Highland and Islands tourism and hospitality sector.
Hear real stories from your peers, on staff retention, attraction and innovation, through a mix of case studies, panel discussion and workshops we will touch on topics that will help your business to stay competitive in a challenging landscape.
Speakers
Welcome from the National Trust for Scotland from Gail Cleaver, Operations Manager, Culloden Cluster.
Panel Session: Talent attraction and retention in the H&I tourism sector
-Fiona Larg, Chair Prosper H&I committee and Non Exec Director Highland Tourism
-Frazer Coupland, CEO Lochaber Chamber and Outdoor Capital of the UK
-Guy Lindsay Crawford, CEO of Highland Coast Hotels
-George McNeil, Chair of Spirit of Speyside & Director of Retail at Johnstons of Elgin
Workshops
-Sustainable Finance with the Royal Bank of Scotland: In this 30-minute session, we will talk about environmental impact and how businesses can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and work on risk mitigation and contingency plans.
-Team Development and Management with University of Highlands & Islands (UHI): Why do some teams succeed whilst others fail? This workshop will explore the theory of team development and give you practical tips which will help you to think about maximising the potential of teams in your workplace.
-Fair Work with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE): This session will provide an overview of the benefits of adopting Fair Work practises in tourism including case study examples and will give an overview of HIE’s approach to Fair Work conditionality, support guides, upcoming free workshops and one-to-one support.
Case Studies
-Danny Docherty, People & Safety Officer, The Sonas Hotel Collection
-Neil Hampton, General Manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club
-Victoria Erasmus, Director, Uile-bheist Distillery

HIT Scotland Talent Conference
2024-02-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Voco Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow
The HIT Scotland Talent Conference will take place at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 8th February 2024.
The 2024 programme will bring you more inspirational and thought-provoking speakers, which will challenge you and your teams to think differently about your roles and your business and how as an industry we can grow and inspire a skilled workforce.
We have created a programme that will inspire, challenge and inform. We are expecting over 500 attendees from across the hospitality and tourism sector in Scotland so as always the event will provide a brilliant platform for networking, connecting and meeting with other like-minded professionals in our industry.
The 2024 HIT Scotland scholars will also be announced at this event.
Registration: 8.30am
Dress-code: Business

ZAG Conference
2024-02-08 16:00 - 19:00 | Union House, Edinburgh
ZAG is for those who don’t zig. This year’s theme is all about generosity. Is it on the wane? Are social media and unethical politics eroding our values? Have we lost our way a little after COVID-19 or has our faith in humanity never been stronger? ZAG is brought to you by The Union.

Fife Tourism Conference 2023
2024-02-27 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy
More details to be announced soon!

Fife Tourism Conference 2024 - Developing New Markets
2024-02-27 09:00 - 15:30 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy
The Fife Tourism Conference is back for 2024 with the theme of “Developing New Markets”. Gain insights from experienced speakers and leaders shaping the future of tourism in Scotland. Explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in our dynamic industry!
Key events and highlights:
🚀 Innovation and future trends: Find out where the Scottish tourism industry is going next.
🤖 Digital Advances: Learn about how AI is shaping the future of the tourism industry and how you can get on board.
💻Online Travel Agents: Discover how you can work together with Online Travel Agents to promote your business
🚐 Travel trade: Find out how you and your business can get involved in this lucrative market.
🌍 Sustainability: Hear from other pioneering destinations and local businesses on how you can contribute to making Fife a more sustainable tourism destination.
⛳Golf: Hear about sustainability in the golf industry in Fife.
🌱 Community tourism: Explore how communities are getting involved with tourism and making their own mark.
🤝Network: Meet other Fife tourism businesses, forge connections with industry leaders, potential partners, and fellow enthusiasts. Networking sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful interactions and collaborations.
Ticket prices include morning pastries and buffet lunch.
Sponsored by VisitScotland.

Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception
2024-02-28 | Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP, United Kingdom
The Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception will be held on 28th February, 2024.
This event will be sponsored by Caravan and Motorhome Club.
More details to follow.

Patrons & Business Leaders Lunch (Invite only)
2024-02-28 12:00 - 14:30 | Signet Library Edinburgh
Please note this event is by invite only.

SCOTO Conference 2024
2024-02-29 | Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries
