Package travel regulations webinar
2024-10-22 11:00 - 12:30 UTC
Does your business sell two or more different types of travel or tourism services? Then you might have certain obligations under the rules on package travel and linked arrangements.
Join this webinar by VisitScotland and Travlaw for a detailed introduction to package travel regulations (PTR) and learn more about current UK and EU regulations.
Travlaw is a full service, travel-niche law firm. They provide legal advice that’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of the travel industry.

Product and Experience Innovation Workshop
2024-10-22 15:30 - 18:00 | Forbes of Kingennie, DD5 3RD
Product and Experience Innovation Workshop: Collaborate and innovate with local stakeholders to create experiences unique to Angus.
Angus Tourism Cooperative, Visit Angus and VisitScotland invite you to a dynamic Product and Experience Innovation Workshop, where you’ll gain valuable insights into current and emerging trends in the industry.
This event will take place on Tuesday 22 October, from 3.30pm to 6pm, at Forbes of Kingennie.
This is your chance to collaborate with fellow tourism professionals, brainstorm new ideas, and create innovative products and experiences that highlight the unique charm of Angus.
Together, let’s seize the opportunities at hand, enhance our collective offerings, and put Angus on the map as a must-visit destination. Your participation is crucial to our shared success.
Come and join us! See the full agenda and register to attend.

Perthshire Talks Responsible Tourism: welcoming all customers
2024-10-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This free in-person event will take place on 23 October at Perth Concert Hall, from 9.15am, finishing at 4.00pm.
This event will provide businesses with tips and advice on how to improve customer service for disabled customers, which we know also benefits other customer groups.
This course will include activities, exercises, and discussions. Each participant will receive a guide containing practical tips and a jointly branded VisitScotland / Welcoming All Customers course certificate.
Businesses will learn about:

adopting a positive attitude to all customers and anticipating accessibility requirements
successful communication styles to identify customer needs
legal obligations and types of discrimination

*Please note this training event is available to businesses who attended either of the following webinars:

Perthshire Talks Tourism: unlock the potential of accessible tourism
Perthshire Talks Tourism: access information to promote your business

The registration for the event will go live on 3 October 2024. See https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2024/perthshire-talks-tourism-webinars for booking information.
This event has limited places and will be on a first come, first serve basis. To allow more businesses the opportunity to be trained, only one person from each business can attend.

Tourism Experiences: Online Booking or Bust
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Join VisitScotland’s new interactive webinar workshop and take a deeper look at online booking systems for visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies.
Discover how an online booking system can transform your operations. From streamlining processes to maximising bookings – make sure it’s one of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal.
You’ll also hear about how your booking system can serve as the ultimate hub for product information, availability, and bookings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Accessible and Inclusive Agritourism
2024-10-29 13:30 - 14:30
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on accessibility and inclusion within the agritourism sector. We are delighted to welcome Moira Henderson, The Rings, to talk about her experience setting up and developing a successful accessible agritourism business.
Whether you are just starting out or running an established business, you will benefit from hearing from Moira who brings a wealth of experience in this area and who will be ready to answer all your questions.
Moira grew up on the West coast of Scotland married David in 1980 and they moved to Fife. They have four adult children & seven grandchildren. David lectured at Elmwood Agricultural College, and Moira was a Registered General Nurse. They bought the family farm in 1988, setting up the partnership of Firm of M.C. Henderson. The business was mostly sheep and crops but later expanded to include egg production and retail. The farm had two holiday caravans which Moira used to supplement David’s income and keep the small 90 acres going for many years, however when these came to the end of their “life” the family was keen to develop holiday accommodation which would meet the needs of those with disabilities.
This farm diversification began as a simple idea to provide a cottage with a ceiling track hoist but resulted in the completion of The Rings cottage in 2016. In 2018, Moira was awarded an MBE for services to Accessible Tourism in Fife.
The Rings now includes a uniquely divideable cottage with 8 fully accessible bedrooms with ensuite wetrooms. The cottage is fully inclusive of those with access needs providing hoists, profiling beds and equipment such as shower chairs; but you don’t have to break a leg to come and stay, they don’t discriminate against you if you don’t have a disability!

Tourism and heritage sector skills
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
Join Diane Cunningham, Growth & Inward Investment Manager at Skills Development Scotland, and Lawrence Durden, Tourism Sector Manager, as they explore the challenges faced by the tourism and heritage sectors in talent attraction and retention.
Joining Diane and Lawrence are Catherine Cartmell, Historic Environment Scotland’s Skills Investment Plan Manager, Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Nicola Watt, Head of People at Buzzworks. They will provide industry insights and examples of best practice in recruitment and retention across their respective sectors.

Tourism Experiences: Mastering Online Travel Agents
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:30
Can Online Travel Agents (OTAs) add to your growth and, most importantly, to your profitability?
Join our interactive webinar designed to provide visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies, with an in depth understanding of working with OTAs.
This session will focus on businesses that are looking to start using OTAs for the first time and, if already using an OTA, how to improve the performance of your listings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Developing a Successful Agritourism Retail Business
2024-11-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Carfrae Farm Shop, Haddington, EH41 4LP
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on developing successful retail in an agritourism business.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event at Carfrae Farm will help you consider how to run a successful retail enterprise. We will be joined by Retail Experts who will talk us through the key challenges for retail at this time and provide insights from their own experience.
We will also have an opportunity to hear from our hosts and Core Community Group Members, Trudi and Eric Cueto about the progress and developments at Carfrae Farm. We will be able to have a walk around the business which includes a Farm Shop, Snug offering a place to enjoy coffee and cake, holiday accommodation , workshops and more recently wellness retreats.
There will be an opportunity to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.

Perthshire Talks Responsible Tourism: exploring different climate action themes
2024-11-05 11:00 - 12:00
Energy, transport, and waste comprise a substantial amount of global greenhouse gas emissions and will usually make up a considerable part of your footprint. Reducing these will be an essential step on your road to net zero.
However, measurement and reduction are only one part of the picture. Developing climate action around communicating, influencing your customers or suppliers, and adapting to climate change are equally as crucial on the road to net zero.
In this webinar, we will explain the different climate action themes in our guide and what they mean for you and your business.

Tourism Experiences: Discover the Travel Trade
2024-11-07 11:00 - 12:00
Join VisitScotland’s last webinar of the series and discover the world of travel trade.
Learn about the landscape of travel distribution, market insights and trends. Explore the opportunities of working with the travel trade and how diversifying routes to market can help you grow business year-round.
This free, hour-long webinar takes place on 7 November from 11am – 12pm.
What is today’s visitor expecting? What is tomorrow’s visitor looking for? Find out more about travel and booking preferences of UK and international visitor markets.
Discover how to work with travel trade to bring to market new bookable products and experiences and explore how you can engage in regional and sectoral collaboration to accelerate business growth.
Also covered in this session – a product sheet for travel trade, with industry experts to help you navigate this.
This webinar is not to be missed, packed full of support, insights and practical tips that you can implement within your business.

ASVA Annual Conference 2024
2024-11-14 09:00 - 17:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This year’s Association for Scottish Visitor Attractions conference will bring together leading voices and experts from within the visitor attractions and wider tourism sector to share best practices, explore innovative approaches in technology, sustainability, and community engagement.
The programme will explore everything from enhancing the visitor experience to the integration of tech and partnership strategies. It will delve into the unique challenges faced by small and big attractions alike, discuss sustainability efforts, and focus on critical themes like people, accessibility and inclusion.
The trade exhibition will be a key part of conference activities, and an excellent opportunity for trade members to showcase their organisation to the attraction industry audience. There will be a limited number of trade stands available, so it is advised to book as early as possible to ensure you secure your spot and avoid missing out.
After the conference, all delegates are invited to a drinks reception at Perth Museum from 6-8pm. Not only will you enjoy a selection of drinks provided by local suppliers, but you’ll also have the opportunity to network and explore the museum, including a guided tour of the iconic Stone of Destiny.

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2024
2024-11-18 09:00 - 2024-11-19 13:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This Conference will bring together everyone interested in the development of agritourism in Scotland.
It will be a great chance to get together, network and build relationships.
The conference is set to welcome:

existing agritourism business owners
farmers and crofters considering agritourism or just keen to find out more
tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses keen to benefit from the growth of agritourism in Scotland
professionals and suppliers to the sector
industry representatives from across agriculture, tourism destinations, the public sector and academia

Both members of Scottish Agritourism and non-members are welcome. Anyone booking with a non-members ticket who decides to join Scottish Agritourism before or during the Conference will have the difference in their ticket money refunded.
Highlights will include

Building Great Teams – Beata Winiarska, Forest Farm Dairy, Anna & Richard, Lindores & further speaker tbc
Innovation – Jillian McEwan, Lunan Bay Farm, Tom Lewis, Monachyle Mhor and Katrina Reynolds, Allanton Inn
International session – Marijke Dunselman, Agritourism New Zealand & Pandurang Taware, Agritourism India
Insight Session, Vicki Miller, Visit Scotland and Amanda Brown, Scotland Food & Drink
Focus on Scotland’s Agritourism Strategy and upcoming World Agritourism Conference
Annual Sector Dinner
Scottish Agritourism update and AGM

North-east tourism conference 2024
2024-11-19 09:30 - 15:30 | P&J Live, East Burn Road, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
Hosted by BBC Scotland journalist Fiona Stalker, this long-awaited event – supported by P&J Live – will bring you together with organisations, businesses and individuals from across the region to focus on how tourism can help the North East to thrive in 2025, and beyond.
You will hear from a range of industry experts and thought leaders throughout the day who will contribute to an engaging programme that will focus on visitors, people and the environment in the northeast of Scotland.
In addition, there will be ample networking opportunities to make new contacts, meet with peers, and exchange ideas.

Expanding our horizons: collaborative pathways for nature tourism in Scotland
2024-11-20 10:00 - 16:30 | Fishers Hotel, 75-79 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BN
After a five-year pause, the Wild Scotland Autumn Conference is making a grand comeback. This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by the best minds in the industry.
This conference is more than just a gathering – it’s a chance to reignite your passion, gain invaluable insights and forge lasting connections with like-minded professionals.
Join this day filled with exciting discussions, networking opportunities and insights into Scotland’s diverse wildlife, culture and its guests. This in-person event will be held in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, providing the perfect backdrop for this gathering. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious about Scotland’s wild beauty, this conference is the place to be.
Confirmed guest speakers are:

David Symes from the Adventure Travel Trade Association who will be hosting an interactive session on “Developing adventure tourism for the international market”. The session will be audience-led and topics will focus on who your customers are, working with the international travel trade and policies and procedure.
Patrick O’Shaughnessy from VisitScotland will share the latest ways to ensure you are visible online, including modern booking systems, working with online travel agents and Google Things to Do.
Rebecca Gibson, Scottish-based outdoor writer and photographer and author of the recent Bradt Guide on Slow Travel in North East Scotland.

Mark your calendars and join this conference in celebrating your businesses and Scotland’s rich wildlife and cultural offering.

Scotland's cruise conference 2024 - what works for tourism
2024-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, KY12 8QH
2024 has been another year of growth for cruise ship calls around Scotland’s ports, with the season extending well into November. Looking forward, 2025 promises new cruise line calls at Scottish ports, while at an industry level there is growth in both the size of vessels, and in the capacity of the luxury and expedition market. Cruise lines are looking for excursions which are “ungoogleable”!
In Scotland, conversations on cruise in recent times have raised the question of sustainable tourism and extension of the tourism levy. What does this mean for the cruise industry and Scotland’s tourism offer?
Scotland’s cruise conference 2024 – what works for tourism will consider the issues and opportunities raised for the Scottish tourism industry and local tourism businesses.
The programme will include input from cruise lines, international cruise networks, and international industry experts. Following last year’s event, the conference will also explore the data which is available, and how it might help you to plan. 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.

Development and Design for Agritourism
2024-11-25 10:00 - 15:30 | Duffus Village Hall, Duffus, Elgin, IV30 5QD
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for another informative event, this time focused on development and design of space for agritourism.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event hosted by Duffus Estate will help you understand the process when repurposing or designing new space.
Our Agritourism Monitor Farmers, the Scott Family from Fearn Farm are developing a new hotel venture working collaboratively with Rosemary and Ben from The Building Workshop. Rosemary will lead the morning session which will take us through the collaborative design process with a focus on the Fearn developments. We will also hear how the development is progressing from the Scott’s.
In the afternoon, we will have an opportunity to hear from Core Community Group Members, Caroline and Ed Dunbar about the progress and developments at Duffus Estate including the new campsite opening in 2025, the existing accommodation, eco lodge and coffee hut. There will be a walk around of Duffus Estate also.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
Tea and Coffee will be provided. There will be a cup of soup at lunchtime but please do bring a packed lunch.
Everyone is very welcome to attend.

Event Industry Engagement Workshop
2024-12-11 09:30 - 13:30 | V&A Museum, 3 Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB
EventScotland, part of VisitScotland which is the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, is responsible for fostering a collaborative approach across the sector in support of the successful delivery of Scotland’s updated National Events Strategy – Scotland The Perfect Stage 2024 – 2035.
The updated strategy has the vision of Scotland as the “perfect stage for events”. The mission is to sustain and develop, through a Team Scotland approach, a dynamic, resilient, and responsible events sector that is recognised as a global leader and valued for its contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy.
To support the above, EventScotland is working with partners, including local authorities, to deliver a series of in-person Regional Event Industry Engagement Workshops across the country from November 2024 to February 2025.
These workshops will provide an important platform for local industry representatives to hear updates from key sector partners, share good practice, and feedback on their experience of event development and delivery in the area.
Date and venue:
The Juniper Auditorium, V&A Museum, Dundee.
Wednesday 11 December, 9.30am-1:30pm.
Workshop timings & format:
09:30 – 10:00
Arrival, networking and refreshments
10:00 – 10:10
Welcome, introductions, and format
10:10 – 10:40
Progress update – National Events Strategy, Scotland The Perfect Stage 2024-2035
10:40 – 10:55
Scotland The Perfect Stage Q&A/discussion
10:55 – 11:15
An update from VisitScotland
11:15 – 11:30
Mid-morning break
11:30 – 11:50
An update from Dundee City Council
11:50 – 12:00
Partner updates/local case study (to be specified)
12:00 – 12:25
Facilitated industry discussion
12:25 – 12:30
Summary and thanks
12:30 – 13:30
Networking, lunch and depart

Building Travel Trade Through Farm Tours
2025-01-16 10:00 - 15:30 | Bairnkine Farm Tours, Bairnkine Farm, Jedburgh, TD8 6PH
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme at Bairnkine Farm in the Scottish Borders for another informative event, this time focused on building travel trade connections through farm tours.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, all are welcome to attend.
Lucy Tile, of Bairnkine Farm, will provide progress updates on their farm tours and lead a walkaround of the farm. We’ll also hear from Jasmine Jackson, Jacksons at Jedburgh, and Robert and Lucy Wilson, Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, who will talk about the ways in which they have developed their business with the travel trade.
Rona Wallace, Senior Intermediary Marketing Manager at VisitScotland, will also lead a session on getting started working with the travel trade and provide useful insights on the industry.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
Tea and Coffee will be provided. There will be a cup of soup at lunchtime but please do bring a packed lunch.

East Lothian Agritourism Showcase
2025-02-17 10:00 - 14:00 | The Fraser Centre, 3 Winton Place, Tranent, EH33 1AF
Paul MacLennan MSP and Scottish Agritourism invite you to an event showcasing support for the agritourism sector in East Lothian. The agenda will include presentations, discussion, networking and a panel session with representatives from Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, national sector body Scottish Agritourism and East Lothian agritourism business owners, who will also share their first hand experiences of starting and growing an agritourism businesses in the area.
The event is not exclusively for East Lothian residents and is open to all farms/agribusinesses who would like to find out more about agritourism and how this is supported in the area.
50 spaces are available and a sandwich lunch will be provided.

ASSC Regional Gathering, Dundee "Thriving Together: Self-Catering Success"
2025-02-26 14:00 - 17:30 | Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BB
Join us for the first ASSC Regional Gathering of 2025: Thriving Together: Self-Catering Success, bringing together self-catering operators, ASSC partners, and industry experts from across the East of Scotland and beyond. This event offers a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, and engaging discussions tailored to the self-catering community and its vital role in Scotland’s tourism industry.
The day will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the self-catering industry, with the goal of strengthening collaboration and exploring practical solutions to support local businesses and communities.
What to Expect:

State of the Nation Address: Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, will provide an update on the current state of the self-catering sector, setting the stage for the day.
Panel Discussion: Facing the Future: Navigating Challenges in Scotland’s Self-Catering Industry
Featuring industry experts, the panel will explore pressing challenges, including Short-Term Let legislation, the Visitor Levy, and the impending abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lets tax regime. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gain insights on these critical issues.
Guest Speaker: Caroline Warburton, Regional Leadership Director at VisitScotland, will highlight opportunities for regional collaboration, from upcoming events to shared initiatives that can benefit self-catering businesses and local communities.
Thriving Together: Communication, Collaboration & Tips for 2025 Success Discover how self-caterers can thrive in 2025 by embracing creativity, collaboration, and technology. From wearing multiple hats as hospitality pros to making the most of regional partnerships, ASSC membership and practical tips, this session explores the power of community and innovation. Walk away with a clear to-do list and fresh ideas to help your business stand out and succeed in the year ahead!
Exhibitors and Networking: Connect with ASSC partners and exhibitors offering tailored services for self-catering operators, from insurance to marketing solutions. Enjoy ample time for peer-to-peer networking with fellow operators and tourism businesses.

SCOTO National Gathering & Learning Exchange
2025-02-27 11:30 - 2025-02-28 15:30 | Park Hotel Montrose, John Street, Montrose, DD10 8RJ
Join us in Montrose, Angus for our third annual gathering with a packed two days of inspirational learning exchanges, enlightening case studies, a feast of Angus supper and a strong focus on doing things differently. We’ll be sharing what’s emerging from over 40 Press Pause community led tourism workshops across Scotland and what clearly needs to change – Mindsets!
Now more than ever we need to change mindsets in Scottish tourism but what does that look like for the industry, for visitors, for our communities and ourselves?
On the first day, we’ll explore inspiring community tourism projects across Angus and nearby Aberdeenshire, followed by a special Angus produce supper at The Park Hotel. The next day, we’ll continue at the Park Hotel for the main Gathering, featuring insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

Scottish Tourism Month - The Signature Conference Series 2025
2025-03-10 13:00 - 2025-03-11 16:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
Scottish Tourism Month is an opportunity to amplify the voice of the tourism and hospitality industry, celebrating its enormous contribution to Scotland whilst also highlighting the support it needs to overcome the challenges it faces to survive, thrive, and grow sustainably.
As the midway point of Scotland’s National Tourism Strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, March 2025 is an important milestone, offering the chance to both reflect on past progress and consider the action required to achieve Scotland’s ambition to be the world-leader in 21st century tourism.
To mark the occasion, the Scottish Tourism Alliance is delivering a specially curated programme of events throughout the month, including the Signature Conference Series which will be held from Monday 10 to Tuesday 11 March.
In addition to the much-anticipated return of the Signature Conference, the Series will include an afternoon of interactive workshops focussing on net zero, business and finance, destination management and leadership, and technology plus a very special evening gathering.
Designed to connect, support, empower and inspire attendees, this an unmissable series for anyone who works in, is connected to or supports Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Transform Your Tourism Business: AI and Tech Solutions for Tay Cities
2025-03-11 09:00 - 13:00 | A K Bell Library, York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP
This transformative morning session is designed specifically for tourism businesses in the Tay Cities region. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI and automation or you’re ready to take your existing tools to the next level, this event will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance your hospitality offering.
Discover how businesses like yours are using AI to automate routine tasks while creating more personalised, authentic experiences that visitors love.
Join us for a dynamic session that includes:

Interactive AI and Automation Workshops: Learn how to implement tools that enhance efficiency and personalisation.
Success Stories: Hear from local tourism businesses that have embraced innovation.
Networking Opportunities: Build connections with like-minded businesses and industry innovators.
Practical Takeaways: Leave with specific AI solutions and the exclusive Tay Cities Traveltech Playbook to help you get started right away.
Enjoy a locally-sourced breakfast and a light lunch as you engage in meaningful conversations with fellow participants.

This event is free for eligible tourism businesses in the Tay Cities region. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended to secure your place.
To ensure the event delivers maximum value, we encourage you to share one business challenge you’re currently facing during the registration process—this will help tailor the workshop to your needs.

Effective Financial Management For Agritourism
2025-03-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Gargunnock Community Centre, Leckie Road, Gargunnock, FK8 3BJ
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme at Gargunnock Community Centre in Stirlingshire for an informative session designed to help you take effective control of your agritourism business finances. Whether you’re just starting out in agritourism or looking to refine your financial management skills, this meeting will cover many essential topics.
We’re delighted to be joined by Colin McNally, Director of CJM Accountancy & Financial Management and Paris & McNally, who will cover:

What is a P&L? Gain a clear understanding of Profit and Loss statements and their importance.
Income vs. Costs = Profit: Learn the basics of calculating profit and managing your margins.
Valuing Your Time: Discover how to attribute your own and your management team’s time effectively.
Managing Multiple Enterprises: Explore strategies for handling finances across different enterprises.
Monthly Reporting: Learn how to structure monthly management reports, determine who in your team can help you with this task, and estimate the costs involved.
Tax Accounts Simplified: Break down the essentials of your tax obligations and accounts.
Software Solutions: Explore how a financial software solution could help you streamline reporting and insights.
Budgeting & Monitoring: Learn how to create budgets and track progress to improve the currency of your financial information.
ROI Planning: Understand your capital investments and learn how to plan for returns.

Tea and Coffee will be provided. There will be a cup of soup at lunchtime but please do bring your own packed lunch.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
Everyone is very welcome to attend.

SSDA Conference 2025
2025-03-19 09:30 - 17:00 | The Peebles Hydro, Innerleithen Road, Peebles, EH45 8LX
This key annual event brings together the South of Scotland’s tourism sector with service providers, key stakeholders and the public sector. It’s designed to unite everyone invested in shaping the region’s vibrant visitor economy.
This conference provides a platform for connecting, networking, learning, and forging meaningful new collaborations. It’s once again inspired by the four pillars of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy:

inspire – discover fresh ideas and success stories that highlight the unique strengths of the South of Scotland as a world-class destination
develop – explore innovative approaches to developing destination products, and creative experiences that resonate with visitors, celebrate local culture, and add value to the region’s tourism offering
responsible – champion sustainability and responsibility in tourism, ensuring that our natural environment, local communities, and cultural heritage are protected for generations to come
support – gain access to invaluable resources, tools, and networks to support your business’s growth and resilience

These themes will shape the day, helping to:

drive engaging discussions and practical workshops to tackle current challenges
seize emerging opportunities
ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future for tourism in the region

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or professional in the tourism industry, the SSDA Conference is your chance to explore innovative practices and be part of shaping the South of Scotland as a destination that inspires visitors and supports thriving communities.

Discover Scottish Gardens
2025-03-19 09:30 - 17:00 | Cambo House, St Andrews, KY16 8QD
Discover Scottish Gardens has been promoting gardens and related businesses to visit for nearly ten years.
It has a popular printed map, website, and marketing and PR/media opportunities for members. It also recognises the importance of hosting an annual gathering of this scale to support the network, encouraging collaboration across the industry.
This event is open to Discover Scottish Gardens members, partners, and non-members interested in the network and industry.
This event is for:

gardens open to the public and open by appointment
hotels, and accommodation providers with beautiful gardens
garden centres and plant nurseries
those interested in working within the garden tourism industry
businesses interested in supporting the garden tourism industry

The conference will offer those in the sector and related industries a chance to connect, network, and hear from a range of inspiring speakers on redevelopment and restoration projects as well as insights on Scottish tourism.

Developing an Effective Pricing Strategy
2025-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Cairns Farm Estate, Kirknewton, EH27 8DH
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme on Thursday the 1st of May at Cairns Farm Estate in West Lothian for a full-day session focused on setting the right prices for your products and services in your agritourism business.
Led by Caroline Millar, Lead Facilitator of Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme and owner of The Hideaway Experience, this event will cover essential key topics to developing an effective pricing strategy, including setting the right price, understanding customer expectations, and adapting to market conditions.
Attendees will also hear from Monitor Farmer Caroline Hamilton of Cairns Farm Estate, who will provide an update on how business is going.
Teas and coffees will be provided. Please bring your own packed lunch.

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference
2025-05-02 09:30 - 16:00 | Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, PH18 5TL
Join us for the inaugural Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference, a landmark event dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and growing Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Hosted in the historic Blair Castle, Perthshire, this event is an unmissable opportunity for estate owners, sporting providers, and tourism professionals to come together, share insights, and collaborate on the future of the industry.
What to Expect:
The day will feature a dynamic programme designed to inform, inspire, and engage:

Morning Keynotes: Hear from leading experts in the fields of tourism, sustainability, and country sports, sharing their perspectives on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with key players from across the country sports and tourism industries during coffee breaks, lunch, and informal discussions.
Afternoon Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Take a deep dive into specialised topics with hands-on workshops and interactive breakout sessions, tailored to address the most pressing needs of the sector. From marketing strategies to sustainability practices, these sessions will provide practical tools to help you succeed.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including freshly prepared soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and light snacks, ensuring you stay energised and focused.

Who Should Attend?

Country sports estate owners and managers
Tourism professionals
Guides and sporting service providers
Accommodation and hospitality providers catering to the country sports audience
Anyone with a vested interest in Scotland’s country sports tourism economy

Why Attend?
Scotland’s country sports sector plays a vital role in the nation’s tourism economy, attracting visitors from around the world and supporting rural communities. This conference will provide valuable insights, foster collaboration, and highlight the economic and cultural significance of country sports tourism.

Driving Success in Scotland's Hotel Market
2025-05-07 11:00 - 12:00
The hotel market has performed well across most parts of Scotland, particularly in the capital, Edinburgh, as well as Glasgow and Inverness.
And the increasing number of international investors now attracted to its robust performance is driving an exuberant transactions market, which is set to grow further this year.
While the outlook of having a strong pipeline of hotels remains positive, particularly in the luxury segment, the industry is facing a series of headwinds including a proposed Visitor Levy and an ongoing skills shortage, which are placing pressure on profits as well as Scotland’s ability to remain competitive as a tourist destination.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is delighted to 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 or budget accommodation, boutique hotel or a youth hostel, this webinar will share accessible and actionable advice on tackling challenges such as the skills shortage, optimising performance and how best to utilise technology in your operations.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: choose a tourism experience booking system
2025-05-08 14:00 - 14:30
Discover how an online booking system can transform your operations from streamlining processes to maximising bookings – make sure it’s one of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal.
This webinar is aimed at tourism experiences (tours, visitor attractions and activity providers) only.
