Scottish Tourism Alliance

VisitScotland Connect 2023
2023-04-19 10:00 - 2023-04-20 17:00 (Europe/London) | P&J Live, Aberdeen, E Burn Rd, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
VisitScotland Connect 2023 will be taking place at the P&J Live Aberdeen on April 19-20, 2023.
VisitScotland is focused on rebuilding international tourism demand and supporting the country’s ambitions to be a leading destination for responsible tourism.
The format for this event will be a new business-to-business travel trade workshop connecting Buyers from around the globe with Scottish tourism businesses, helping to rebuild Scotland’s valuable tourism industry.
Speak to your VisitScotland contact if you are interested in joining this event or use the registration links on the website.

Short Term Lets: Hanging by a thread
2023-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 | French Institute of Scotland, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
Edinburgh’s Judicial Review is critical for the whole of Scotland’s self-catering industry and the wider Tourism Sector.
The Judicial Team, together with industry experts will cover the latest news, and exciting updates.
This is a MUST ATTEND free session to help you safeguard your business.
If you have self-catering properties, or run a business supported by self-catering guests, you will be affected by the current legislation.
AGENDA:
1. Progress update from March and April
2. Current status on the case
3. How the STL sector nurtures entrepreneurial talent
4. How the STL policy will dramatically upset the delicate nature of Scotland’s Tourism Economy bringing with it many unintended consequences.
5. How you can get involved to support the crucial Judicial Review fundraising campaign.
Over £212,000 has been raised already, demonstrating the phenomenal support we have. But, the Judicial Review needs to raise £300,000 to ensure they can challenge the Licence Scheme in court.
This is now entering a critical phase, with only days left for fundraising.
Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the Judicial Review Crowd Justice campaign.
This event has limited capacity of 85 places.
Following the event there will be opportunity to talk further at The Advocate, 7 Hunter Square.
The Judicial Review:
The aim of the Judicial Review is to influence policy and guidance, so that quality operators with a track record of good practice will be able to gain licences with a scheme that is fair, fit for purpose, safeguards the self-catering industry, and is focused on the health and safety of our guests.

World Food Travel Day
2023-04-18
EVERY APRIL 18 – A REASON TO CELEBRATE LOCAL CUISINE

World Food Travel Day takes place on Tuesday 18th April, and is a dedicated day to celebrate and raise awareness amongst both consumers and trade that experiencing our world’s culinary cultures, is a number one reason to travel.
As well as shining a spotlight on Culinary Culture, the World Food Travel Association has announced that 2023 World Food Travel Day will also focus on ‘Underrated Culinary Destinations’.
Both consumers and organisations in Scotland can get involved by sharing videos and stories of food or drink experiences people have enjoyed and shouldn’t miss in their areas, using #WorldFoodTravel Day #Scotland #underrateddestinations and tagging:

Instagram: @worldtravelassn, @tastingscotland, @scotfooddrink, @visitscotland
Twitter / Facebook: @WorldFoodTravel, @tastingscotland, @scotfooddrink, @visitscotland, @st_alliance / @stalliance

Larder of The Lowlands
2023-04-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, The Crichton, Bankend Rd, Dumfries, DG1 4TA, United Kingdom
Regional Food Groups and Ambassadors, supported by Scotland Food & Drink, are hosting a regional showcase on Monday 17th April, 10am-3pm at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries.
The Larder of the Lowlands will bring together food and drink producers from across the Southern parts of Scotland to showcase the exceptional produce the area has to offer.
As well as a ‘meet the supplier’ marketplace, with over 60 suppliers attending, there will be a programme of activity which includes cookery demonstrations, industry information stands, and themed training workshops.
This event is suitable for Scottish suppliers from the Lowlands as well as local, regional, and national buyers, industry partners/stakeholders, associates, and organisations and students.
Download the promotional toolkit here.

Friday 21st April: Scottish Excellence Awards
2023-04-17 - 2023-04-21 | Online, United Kingdom
Entries for this year’s Excellence Awards are now open, enter now. Entries close Friday 21st April.

Ayrshire Food & Drink Conference
2023-04-12 09:45 - 15:30
The second Ayrshire Food and Drink Conference takes place on Wednesday 12th April 2023 at Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock Campus.
The event will focus on business support and skills development, with an inspirational line-up of speakers and helpful workshops to highlight the support available. There will also be an opportunity to meet other local food, drink and hospitality businesses.
Reserve your ticket here.
Tastes of Ayrshire
The Regional Food and Drink Group is delighted to announce a series of Tastes of Ayrshire events over the next few months:

Ayr Show – Saturday 13th May
Dean Castle – Sunday 28th May

Building on the success of last year’s Tastes of Ayrshire, which attracted over 1,500 visitors, the events will celebrate all that is great about local food and drink.
If you are interested in getting involved or finding out more email marketing@ayrshirefood.org.

The South Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) Conference 2024
2023-03-20 | Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, The Crichton, Bankend Rd, Dumfries, DG1 4TA, United Kingdom
Engage, Inform, Uplift
The SSDA Conference is the key annual event bringing together all those involved in tourism across the South of Scotland (Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders). It is a unique opportunity to connect, network, learn and collaborate.
Hear from the Experts
The Conference attracts leading voices and expert insights, with a diverse range of speakers and contributors including industry and political leaders. We will start announcing keynote speakers in the coming period. There will be a range of discussion and break-out groups, offering unique insight and discussion around the key issues facing the South of Scotland’s visitor economy in 2024.
Who Should Attend?
The Conference is open to all those engaged in the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, whether you’re an SSDA member or not. Our diverse audience includes: businesses leaders, economic development agencies, community representatives, local and national government representatives, suppliers to the tourism sector, and other sector supporters and representatives.
Expand Your Network
Connect, Collaborate, and Conquer
The SSDA Conference is more than just a platform for learning; it’s a place to expand your professional network; forge connections with industry leaders, government officials, and other businesses; collaborate and feed into the next chapter of the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
