Scottish Tourism Alliance

East Lothian Talks Tourism Conference
2025-03-27 09:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | The Marine, 18 Cromwell Road, North Berwick, EH39 4LZ
Visit East Lothian is hosting a free half-day conference as part of Scottish Tourism Month. An opportunity for East Lothian tourism businesses to hear from a fantastic line-up of industry experts as they share insights, trends and strategies for a sustainable and thriving tourism sector.
This event is specifically tailored to East Lothian businesses that operate directly within the tourism industry, such as attractions, accommodation providers, tour operators, retail, activity providers, hospitality, and food and drink producers.
See the full programme and register at https://eastlothiantalkstourism.eventbrite.co.uk

VisitScotland Connect 2025
2025-04-09 - 2025-04-10 | P&J Live, Aberdeen, E Burn Rd, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
Registration is now open for VisitScotland Connect, the national tourism organisation’s flagship travel trade event.
Held at P&J Live in Aberdeen on 9 and 10 April 2025, VisitScotland Connect provides eligible Scottish tourism businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products and services, make connections with the domestic and international travel trade and grow their business potential.
The 2024 event helped over 220 tourism businesses connect with almost 260 tour operators and international travel trade buyers representing 23 countries. More than 7,000 meetings took place over the two days.
If you are a trade-ready Scottish business and wish to register to attend, full details can be found at www.visitscotland.com/connect. All applications are subject to approval by VisitScotland.

13th Annual Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards
2025-05-01 17:30 - 23:30 | Double Tree by Hilton Glasgow Central, 36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow, G2 3HN

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference 2025
2025-05-02 09:30 - 16:00 | Blair Castle, Blair Castle & Gardens, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH18 5TL, United Kingdom

Adapting and Thriving Amidst Regulation, Tourism Trends and Economic Pressures
2025-05-14 13:30 - 17:00 | The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, Culcabock Rd, Inverness, IV2 3LP, United Kingdom

8th Annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in association with Innis and Gunn
2025-05-15 17:30 - 23:30 | Double Tree by Hilton Glasgow Central, 36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow, G2 3HN

ZAG Conference 2025: Why beauty matters
2025-06-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Union House, Edinburgh
ZAG returns with the theme ‘Why Beauty Matters’, featuring inspiring speakers who explore beauty’s impact on our lives. Hear from Daryl Fielding, behind Dove’s iconic ‘Campaign for Real Beauty’; Michael Timmons, charity leader at Playlist for Life, on how music unlocks emotional memories in dementia sufferers; Dr. Elaine Cook, on the power of beautiful, inspirational spaces to inspire young minds; and Ben Wilson, the street artist transforming discarded chewing gum into unexpected urban art.
Hosted by The Union, delves into how beauty shapes communities and challenges perceptions, sparking bold conversations and fresh perspectives.

Scottish National Whisky Festival: Inverness
2025-07-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Eden Court Theatre, Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA, United Kingdom
The Scottish National Whisky Festival is back!
– Sample hundreds of incredible whiskies from world-renowned distilleries & independent bottlers
– Explore exciting guest spirits and experimental flavours
– Indulge in tantalising cocktail pop-ups from world class mixologists
– Enjoy live music and seminars tailored to each city
– Take home a bottle of something special from the festival whisky shop, courtesy of expert partner retailers
– Discover *Scotland’s whisky festival*

The Tall Ship Races: Aberdeen 2025
2025-07-19 - 2025-07-22 | Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Aberdeen has a rich history with the tall ships races, hosting the incredible fleet in 1991 and 1997.

We are excited to welcome the Tall Ships Races back to Aberdeen in July 2025. Hundreds of thousands of people will descend on the city for four days of celebrating, sharing culture, and international friendships at Europe’s largest free family event.
The Tall Ships Races 2025 will take the majestic Tall Ships fleet through the English Channel and North Sea to Le Havre, Dunkerque, Aberdeen, Kristiansand and Esbjerg.

Central and East Thistle Awards
2025-09-11 18:15 - 23:30 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom

STA x HotelPartner Webinar: Driving Success in Scotland's Hospitality & Accommodation Sector
2025-09-16 10:45 - 12:00 | Online, United Kingdom
The hotel market in Scotland has seen mixed performance this year, driven largely by an increase in supply in the capital. While Edinburgh remains a strong market, the growth in hotel stock — alongside a noticeable slowdown in the domestic audience, greater price sensitivity, and a reduction in short-term let accommodation — has created tougher year-on-year comparisons. Other regions across Scotland, however, have continued to perform well, supported by steady demand and major events such as Oasis and AC/DC shows bringing strong peaks in occupancy.
International investors continue to be attracted to the country and are driving an exuberant transactions market, which is set to grow further this year and is seen as a focal point for significant capital deployment.
While the outlook for the strong pipeline of hotels remains positive, particularly in the luxury segment, the industry faces a series of headwinds, including the confirmed tourism levies in Edinburgh (5% for all bookings made for stays from July 2026 onwards, for reservations made from 1st October 2025) and Aberdeen (7% from April 2027), as well as an ongoing skills shortage. These factors are placing pressure on profits and Scotland’s ability to remain competitive as a leading tourist destination.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is delighted to once again be partnering with HotelPartner, a trusted market leader in revenue management and distribution services for the hospitality and tourism industry, to explore the solutions available to Scottish hoteliers to ensure that the market can continue to thrive.
Whether you operate a luxury hotel, a budget accommodation, a boutique property, or a youth hostel, this webinar will share accessible and actionable advice on tackling challenges such as the skills shortage, optimising performance, and making the most effective use of technology in your operations.
Discussion Points:

What factors are driving the growing interest from investors in the Scottish hotel market?
Why is the sector attracting so much capital, in what segments and is it sustainable?
What is the current outlook for hotel development in the country and how will this affect performance?
How can hotels manage their performance as supply booms and investors demand continued strong performance?
How might the upcoming 5% levy on overnight accommodation, due in January 2027, impact hotel profitability and tourist demand?
In what ways is the ongoing skills shortage affecting Scotland’s competitiveness as a tourist destination? How can they be addressed using technology?
What role does technology play in addressing wider operational challenges?
What are the core components of an effective revenue management strategy in today’s Scottish hotel market?
How can hoteliers drive demand?
What metrics should hoteliers track regularly to ensure revenue management and distribution strategies are effective and agile?

Speakers:
Robert Holland, Managing Director UK & Ireland, HotelPartner Revenue Management
HotelPartner are a technology enabled outsourced revenue service which started in Switzerland in 2006 and now has circa 500 clients across Europe but primarily in Switzerland, Germany & Austria. We started in the UK in 2017 and our portfolio now includes hotels stretching from Aberdeen to Jersey. His formative years in hospitality took him across Europe with stints at some of the finest hotels, coupled with studies at Cornell in upstate New York. With a focus on F&B, Robert eventually went on to run his own restaurants in SW London – Balham & Fulham, which I sold in 2012. Robert was then fortunate enough to be welcomed back into hotels in 2010 by Robin Sheppard of Bespoke Hotels where he stayed for 7 years, rising to the role of Regional Operations Manager responsible for two hotels in central London.
David Orr, CEO, Resident Hotels
David has a track record of successful development and value creation in the hotel sector, co-founding CEO of City Inn that became Mint in 2010. By developing a new hotel brand from scratch in an Edinburgh office at 8 St Andrew Square, to two of the most successful hotels in Europe ever, 2700 rooms and 1500 careers, David has a unique track record in brand invention, property development, hotel operations, customer advocacy and value creation. Earlier in his career, David was a partner in a property advisory company where he led recovery of commercial property assets and advised blue chip clients on landmark development and investment projects. David conceived and ‘drew up’ the concept and initiated the Harvey Nichols flagship into Edinburgh. David is Chairman at Fraser Giles Partnership a Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Executive Search business, a Trustee at Sparks the children’s medical research charity and retains active connections in the ‘Arts’ world. At Mint hotel David oversaw the creation of more than 40 active Arts partnerships between the hotels and local and National arts organisations.
Andrew Renouf, Director, AR Hospitality Consulting
AR Hospitality Consulting was founded in 2023 by Andrew Renouf, a hospitality professional with over 30 years’ experience in operations and consultancy. After a 20-year career in hospitality operations and ownership, managing four-star hotels, conference centres and restaurants, Andrew joined the Hotels team at Avison Young (then GVA) Edinburgh in 2011.
Following promotion to Director in 2015, Andrew led the Hotel Consultancy team in Scotland and has been client lead on numerous development, acquisition and other advisory projects across Scotland and the UK, for both private and public sector clients.
AR Hospitality Consulting specializes in market and feasibility studies for all types of hospitality developments and acquisitions, operational and strategic performance reviews for trading assets, and advising local authorities on market need / capacity and delivering hotel developments.
Andrew’s extensive operational and consulting experience adds significant value to any project with robust modelling informed by a comprehensive understanding of market trends and demand dynamics. Andrew is also very well connected to all the major brands, operators and funders active in the sector
Neil Farren, Director of Customer Success, HotStats
Neil started his hotel career at Jurys Inns in Edinburgh as a staff supervisor, with various promotions to management roles including Night Manager, Accommodation Manager, F&B Manager, Front Office then Rooms Division Manager. He then joined the pre-opening team of Jurys Inn Glasgow as Room Revenue Manager.
He then joined the Hotel Systems Support Team at Hilton’s corporate office in Glasgow before transferring to their global deployment team for their new OnQ PMS software.
Following the completion of the project, he left Hilton and joined the Patio Hotel in Aberdeen, later rename to Doubletree by Hilton Aberdeen City Centre.
After returning hotel to Ayrshire, Neil joined McMillan Hotels as their Group Revenue Manager before establishing a successful consultancy in revenue management and technology advisory services.
Neil has been with HotStats since August 2022 and is passionate about supporting hotels large or small to achieve the very best results.

Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards
2025-09-19 | The Chester Hotel, 59-63 Queen's Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 4YP, United Kingdom

East Lothian Business Month 1st-31st October
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00 | East Lothian, John Muir House, EH41 3HA, United Kingdom

Scottish Tourism Alliance AGM, Seminar & Networking Lunch
2025-10-02 10:30 - 14:30 | The Social Hub, 15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow, G1 1TQ, United Kingdom
09:45 – 10:25 – AGM Registration | Tea & Coffee | Networking
10:30 – 11:00 – AGM
10:45 – 11:00 – Seminar & Networking Lunch Registration
11:10 – 13:15 – Seminar
13:15 – 14:30 – Lunch & Networking

Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony
2025-10-03 18:00 - 23:30 | Drumossie Hotel, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 5BE

Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland Charity Golf Event
2025-10-08 10:30 - 23:30 | Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Earl of Mar Estate, Bishopton, PA7 5NW
This exclusive event promises not only a fantastic golfing experience but also warm hospitality, friendly competition, and the chance to make a real difference fundraising for Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland.
Event Schedule:
10:30am | Arrival with breakfast rolls, tea and coffee
12pm | Shotgun start (18 holes)
6pm | Enjoy a two-course dinner, followed by a charity raffle with prizes to be won.

£500 per team
The entry fee and all monies raised on the day will help fund future HAS activities
For more information please email
esther.wells@stalliance.co.uk
Spaces are limited.
Luxury Spa experience available for non-golfers attending

ASSC REGIONAL GATHERING OF 2025 - "GREEN IS THE NEW GOLD"
2025-11-03 13:15 - 17:00 | Albert Halls, Dumbarton Rd, Stirling, FK8 2QL
Your roadmap to resilience in Scottish self-catering
Tickets:

ASSC Members – Free (use your exclusive member promo code)
Non-Members – £25 + booking fee
Get your tickets here

Are you a self-catering operator, industry professional, or associated business in Scotland’s tourism sector? Don’t miss this essential afternoon of networking, knowledge-sharing, and sector-focused exhibitors – tailored specifically for Scotland’s self-catering community.
Hosted by Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), the Gathering will bring together operators, partners, and policy experts to explore practical, actionable ways to build resilience, embrace responsibility, and shape the future of Scottish tourism.
Expect thought-provoking panels, interactive discussion, and meaningful connections with peers across the sector – all designed to leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take your business forward.
What to Expect
✔️ Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow self-catering operators, industry experts, and ASSC partners.
✔️ Exhibitor Showcase – Explore services and solutions designed to support self-catering businesses.
✔️ Expert-Led Panels & Presentations – Gain valuable insights and take away practical tools for resilience and growth.
Key Sessions at the Event
💬 State of the Nation Update delivered by Fiona Campbell MBE, setting the scene for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
💬 Panel Discussion 1: Green is the New Gold – What It Really Means to Be a Responsible Self-Catering Business led by Melanie Allen, Director of SCOTO, with contributions from Booking.com, Loch Ken Eco Bothies, and the ASSC. Explore what responsible tourism means in practice, from visitor expectations to achievable actions for operators.
💬 Panel Discussion 2: Tourism at a Crossroads – Regulation, Resilience, and the Road Ahead, chaired by Fiona Campbell MBE, with expert perspectives from WYM Rating, Burness Paull, and Jackie Baillie MSP. A focused look at the key pressures shaping the sector – including Short-Term Let Regulations, Non-Domestic Rates, the Visitor Levy, and climate action – with practical strategies for resilience.
💬 Live Q&A with Fiona Campbell MBE: Your opportunity to put questions directly to the ASSC Chief Executive.
Why Attend?

Understand the policies and regulations shaping Scottish tourism.
Discover actionable steps to become a more responsible and competitive self-catering operator.
Build stronger networks with peers, sector leaders, and suppliers.
Leave with clear, practical takeaways to strengthen your business and prepare for the future.

Supporting Local Communities through ASSC Regional Gatherings
As part of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers commitment to the communities we visit, and in line with our objectives around responsible tourism, the ASSC is proud to support Start Up Stirling at our upcoming Regional Gathering in Stirling.
Since 1994, Start Up Stirling has been providing vital assistance to local people in crisis – from operating food banks and rural delivery services, to offering Home Starter Packs and running weekly Community Hubs that help tackle loneliness and isolation.
For the event, we encourage everyone to bring along non-perishable food items and / or a cash donation to support this essential service as we move into the winter months and navigate challenging times together.

XP Hospitality
2025-11-12 10:00 - 15:00 | The Place Hotel, Edinburgh, 34-38 York Place, Edinburgh, EH13HU
XP Edinburgh is a chance to step out of the day-to-day and connect with people facing the same pressures and opportunities.
You’ll hear from industry experts, creative thinkers, and peers who know the realities of modern hospitality. Sessions are designed to spark ideas, share stories, and give you practical takeaways you can put to work.
It’s relaxed, free to attend, and focused on what matters most: useful conversations, fresh perspectives, and building connections that last.

ASVA Annual Conference 2025
2025-11-19 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom

British Holiday & Home Parks Association Members Conference
2025-11-25

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2025
2025-11-27 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom

Scotland’s Cruise Conference 2025 - What Works For Tourism 2nd December 2025
2025-12-02 | dundee
Scotland’s Cruise Conference 2025 – What Works for Tourism – will take place in Dundee on 2nd December 2025, bringing together insights from all sectors of the industry and tourism partners. It is the opportunity for you to participate in the discussion, learn of the trends, hear from those who make the connections happen, and learn about what can be expected in the coming years.
Our programme will include input from cruise lines, international cruise networks, and international industry experts. 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.

ETAG 26 Conference
2026-02-10 11:30 - 18:30 | Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
Join ETAG and industry colleagues at the ETAG Conference 2026
ETAG are delighted to be hosting ETAG 2026 at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
It will kick off with a Networking Lunch, giving you the chance to catch up with colleagues and make new contacts.
The Networking Lunch will be followed by a great line up of speakers providing their insights and expertise on the current key issues and hot topics in tourism.
The much loved ‘Spotlight Sessions’ will be back with updates from a range of exciting updates on tourism developments and projects across the city.
You’ll have the chance to continue discussions with friends and colleagues at a post-conference networking reception, thanks to sponsorship from The Edinburgh University Hospitality Collection.
Full Programme details will be announced shortly.
Book now to take advantage of our Early Bird ticket offer, which is available for a limited time only!
ETAG Conference 2026 Supporters:
#ETAG26 will be delivered with the generous support of The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, VisitScotland, Lothian, Anderson Live Productions and Blendology.
N.B. This event is aimed at Edinburgh tourism and hospitality businesses only who operate on a B2C (Business to Consumer) or B2B (Business to Business) basis. Unfortunately, can’t offer places to students.

Tay Country Tourism Conference 2026
2026-03-03 | Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee, 1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, DD1 3JP
Join tourism and hospitality professionals from across Tayside and Fife for the Tay Country Tourism Conference 2026 taking place on Tuesday 3 March at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee.

This is a key event designed to inspire collaboration, share insights, and drive sustainable growth across our regional tourism industry.

We’ve got an exciting agenda in store with topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by expert, Sam Weston, Head of AI & Marketing at 80 Days, who will delve into how AI is transforming the travel sector and how to move with it.

Vicki Miller, CEO of VisitScotland, will also share the latest insights and trends shaping the tourism landscape, joined by other industry leaders exploring destination best practices and regional collaboration.

You’ll also hear from innovative local businesses making a meaningful impact and enjoy valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers from across the region.

Whether you’re new to the tourism sector or an established operator, this is your chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of Tay Country tourism.

View the fully-released programme below:

08:30
Registration & Networking

09:30
Welcome: Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director, VisitScotland and Alistair Heather as host for the day

THE BIG PICTURE

09:45
‘Capitalising on the Transformation Economy – Scotland’s Competitive Advantage’ Vicki Miller, CEO, VisitScotland

10:00
‘The Visitor Economy – the Icelandic Way’. Jóhannes Þór Skúlason, Managing Director, Icelandic Travel Industry Association

10:25
In Conversation (Q&A) with Vicki and Jóhannes – Alistair Heather

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

10:45
Jillian McEwan, Co-founder, Lunan Bay Farm, Scottish Regenerative Cashmere & Goat Experiences.
Rachael Loughlan, Festival Co-ordinator, Pittenweem Arts Festival

11.10
Morning Break – Networking & Refreshments

11:30
Chris Rowley, Owner & Executive Chef, Ballintaggart Farm
Kim Cameron, Founder, Gin Bothy
Dale Simpson, General Manager, Malmaison Dundee
Tricia Fox, CEO, Cunningly Good Group & Marketing Lead for The Enchanted Forest
Craig Cameron, Estate Factor, Teasses Estate
Ashleigh Pink, Commercial Director, Dundee Heritage Trust
Q&A

12:30
Lunch

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

13:30
‘Scotland’s Theatre in the Hills’. Dougie Cameron, Interim CEO, Pitlochry Festival Theatre

13:45
‘Eden Project Scotland: Coming to Dundee’. Andy Jasper, Group CEO, Eden Project

13:55
‘Inclusive Tourism: A Lived Experience Perspective’. Carrie-Ann Lightley, Writer, Speaker & Content Creator

14:20
‘Preparing your tourism business for the age of AI’. Sam Weston, Head of AI & Marketing, 80 Days

14:50
Closing Remarks

15:00
Conference Closes

Wild Scotland Conference
2026-03-04 | Stirling Court Hotel

SCOTO Community Tourism Gathering 2026
2026-03-05 - 2026-03-06 | Glasgow, United Kingdom

Scottish Tourism Month 2026: The Signature Conference
2026-03-09 - 2026-03-10 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom

VisitArran Tourism Conference
2026-03-12 09:30 - 16:00 | Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran

ASSC Regional Gatherings 2026
2026-03-18
Save the Date
South of Scotland – Wednesday 18th March 2026
Aberdeen – Wednesday 6th May 2026
Fort William – Wednesday 4th November 2026

Argyll & Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership Summit 2026
2026-03-19 | Queens Hall, Dunoon, 9 Argyll Street, Dunoon, PA23 7HH
Join tourism and hospitality professionals at the key annual gathering for everyone shaping the future of Argyll & the Isles’ visitor economy. The 2026 Summit comes at a pivotal time, bringing our industry together to explore opportunities, tackle shared challenges and collaborate on a sustainable future for Scotland’s Adventure Coast.
Hear from leading voices in tourism, destination development and policy, and take part in workshops designed to spark ideas and action. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with decision-makers, share insights and influence how our region grows and thrives.
Presented by the Argyll & Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership — AITC, Argyll & Bute Council, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, HIE and VisitScotland.

Tickets available via Humanitix – Argyll & Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership Tickets
