Scottish Tourism Alliance

Tourism Conference - VisitArran
2024-03-05 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran
More details to follow soon.

Arran Outlook 2030
2024-03-05 09:30 - 16:00 | Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran

2024 Pre-season workshop for West Highland Way Businesses - Drymen
2024-03-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Drymen Business Hub, Stirling Road #First Floor, Drymen, G63 0AA
This is an opportunity to come together before the main walking season starts to give you an update from the West Highland Way team, meet others, ask questions, share ideas and discuss your business and outlook for 2024.
We want the West Highland Way to remain Scotland’s premier long distance route, inspiring walkers to experience an iconic trail taking in some of the country’s most stunning scenery. We also recognise its importance to businesses and communities along the 96 miles and want to work together to support the future sustainability of the trail.
Outline agenda
09:00 Refreshments and networking
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:40 WHW Team update, including:

NEW for 2024 – WHW nature storymap
Update on potential charitable status
Infrastructure and maintenance updates
Passport Points, business listings, newsletter and official merchandise
Hospitality and tourism trends/outlook.

10.10 Green business case studies
10.30 Q&A / open discussion / networking
11:00 Event close

AITC Summit
2024-03-04 09:30 - 15:30 | Drimsynie Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead, Cairndow, PA24 8AD
Join us for the Argyll and Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership Summit 2024, a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the tourism industry in the Argyll and Isles region. This in-person summit will take place at the beautiful Drimsynie Holiday Village, offering a picturesque backdrop for networking and collaboration.
With a focus on driving sustainable tourism growth, the summit will feature engaging discussions, informative sessions, and inspiring keynote speakers. Connect with industry experts, local businesses, and fellow enthusiasts to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for the future.
Speakers include Marc Crothall, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Alison McRae, AISTP Chair & STA Board member, Robert Kidd AITC Chair, Cathy Craig AITC CEO, David Adams McGilp Visit Scotland, Susan Dickie Visit Scotland, Martin Jones UHI Argyll Principal, Joshua Ryan-Saha TravelTech, Jane Wylie-Roberts Staffinders, Sara Cook Get the Gen, Melanie Allen Visit Scotland Tourism Individual of the Year & Chair of Galloway UNESCO Biosphere and Expedia. The Hebridean Baker will also be along for networking and collaboration.
Mark your calendars for this exciting event, starting on Mon Mar 04 2024 at 09:30:00 GMT+0000 (Greenwich Mean Time). Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of shaping the future of tourism in the Argyll and Isles region. With thanks to sponsors Cove UK, Visit Scotland, and BC Technologies.

SCOTO Annual Community Tourism Gathering
2024-02-29 09:00 - 2024-03-01 16:00 | Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, 132-136 English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Book your place at the SCOTO COMMUNITY TOURISM GATHERING 2024!
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Gathering in Kingussie, we look forward to welcoming you to our next national gathering on Thursday 29 February, at the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club and on Friday 1 March, for learning exchanges in and around Dumfries. Get ready for two days filled with inspiration, networking, and learning opportunities, all focused on ‘pressing pause’ and recalibrating tourism in Scotland to deliver for our communities and environment first.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Whether you’re a community tourism activist or simply interested in knowing more about community led tourism in Scotland, this gathering is perfect for you. Connect with like-minded individuals from across Scotland, share ideas, and discover new ways to develop and promote responsible tourism, which brings real benefits back into the host community.
OUR THEME FOR 2024?
SCOTO has set its ambition to ‘recalibrate tourism in Scotland to deliver for our communities and the environment first’. This year’s gathering will focus on our current Press Pause activity and explore learnings from across the country, particularly in the South West, which demonstrate the art of the possible where community interests are prioritised.
WHY ATTEND?
At the SCOTO COMMUNITY TOURISM GATHERING 2024, you’ll have the chance to attend engaging workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, have networking discussions and participate in interactive learning exchanges. Gain valuable insights on the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the tourism industry and better understand how tourism can be recalibrated to deliver for your community and local environment.
DISCOUNT FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS
We have been able to discount several tickets for individuals who are currently working in community led tourism or within a community organisation interested in how tourism works in their local area. When booking, there is a specific question to answer that will confirm your eligibility.
TRAVEL BURSARIES FOR COMMUNITY LED ENTERPRISES
Dumfries is a long way to travel for some, and this year we are delighted to have secured further funding from the Scottish Community Alliance to support travel and expenses for individuals attending on behalf of a community led enterprise – so trustees, staff and volunteers are eligible for support. These bursaries are specifically to allow people to travel and stay over to participate in the Learning Exchanges on Day 2.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

STA Patrons & Business Leaders Event
2023-12-05

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Shetland Tourism Conference
2023-11-15
TBC

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

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.
