Scottish Tourism Alliance

Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony
2025-10-03 18:00 - 23:30 (Europe/London) | 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, 2026-05-06, 2026-11-04
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

Global Agritourism Conference
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-25 | P&J Live, Aberdeen, E Burn Rd, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
The Global Agritourism Conference will be held in Scotland in 2026 and will be a showcase of the diversity and growth of the global agritourism sector with data, research, policy and personal stories providing a unique international learning opportunity for an anticipated 1000 delegates, over 300 of which will be from Scotland and a further 300 from the wider UK. This will make GAC 2026 the largest gathering of UK Agritourism and Farm Retailers to date. The annual Scottish Agritourism Conference will be integrated into the 2026 global event.

In addition, we will have 50-100 scholars from all over the world with approximately 150 delegates from mainland Europe and a further 150 from the rest of the world.

Who Should Attend

Farmers, Crofters, Estate Owners, Professional Services, Suppliers, Investors, Financiers, Researchers, Academics, Students, Policy Makers, Politicians, Press and other Rural & Farming Organisations

The Global Agritourism Conference will provide an opportunity for:

Inspiration from National & International Keynote Speakers
First-Class Networking and Business Development
New Knowledge and Insights about the sector from across the globe
A range of Scottish Cultural Activities to be enjoyed throughout the programme
Enjoying the best of Scotland’s farm and fishing produce during every meal
An extensive range of Pre & Post Conference Tours
Attendance at any of the 6 Core Farm Learning Tours as part of the Conference Programme

This will be the only time this conference is held in the UK as it will rotate across continents in the coming years. There is a special registration discount available for those who register before 31st December 2025. Please visit www.globalagritourismconference.com for further details and to book your place.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the event or are interested in group bookings or sponsorship opportunities, please email gac2026@abbeyconferences.com.

HIT Futures Quiz Night at W Hotel Edinburgh
2026-06-29 18:30 - 20:30 | The Studios, W Hotel, Edinburgh, 1 Saint James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX
Are you a young professional looking to grow your network in Scottish hospitality? Or a manager searching for a fantastic team-building opportunity for your rising stars?
The HIT Scotland Futures Group is back with another exciting networking event, this time at the W Hotel Edinburgh.
On Monday 29 June, we’ll bring together the next generation of hospitality talent for an evening of relaxed networking, great food and a little friendly competition with our quiz night at the stunning Studios at the W Hotel.
Dress Code: Casual
Tickets: Only £15 per person!
What’s on the Agenda?
We’ve designed a relaxed, inclusive, and chatty environment where young professionals can truly connect. Your £15 ticket includes:
A welcome drink on arrival
A delicious selection of canapés
A high-energy team quiz night with some brilliant prizes up for grabs
Plenty of time to mix and mingle with like-minded peers
Spaces at this stunning venue are limited, and our Futures events always sell out fast. Grab your tickets today and let’s celebrate the incredible young talent driving Scottish hospitality forward!

ASVA Conference 2026
2026-11-12 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom

Scotland’s Cruise Conference 2026
2026-11-18 | Trade Halls, Glasgow
Scotland’s Cruise Conference 2026 will be held in the Trades Halls, Glasgow on Wednesday 18th November. More information will be provided in good time, but you are invited to Save the Date in your calendar.

More information from info@cruiseforth.com

SCOTO Community Tourism Gathering 2027
2027-03-04 - 2027-03-05 | Oban, Oban, Argyll & Bute, PA34, United Kingdom

The Signature Conference Breakfast & Workshops
2027-03-23 | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow, G3 8QT

STA Signature Conference Evening Gathering
2027-03-24 | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow, G3 8QT
