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VisitScotland Connect 2026: Boosting Scotland’s Global Tourism Network in Glasgow


Published on
September 15, 2025

Scotland has long been a well-liked travel destination for tourists from around the world because of its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and lively culture. Scotland’s national tourism agency, VisitScotland, organises a major event to broaden its tourism network and guarantee that the country continues to be a major player in the world travel market. This event, VisitScotland Connect, has been an essential platform for Scottish tourism businesses to connect with international tour operators, travel advisors, and destination management companies.

Unlike previous years, VisitScotland Connect will debut at Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in 2026. The event, which is set for April 15–16, 2026, will give companies from all over Scotland the chance to network with professionals in the international travel industry while showcasing the best that Scotland has to offer.

The goals of VisitScotland Connect 2026, its importance for Scottish travel, the effects of its 2025 edition, and the reasons why travel agencies should take part in this worthwhile event are all covered in this article.

Why Glasgow and the SEC?

The decision to move VisitScotland Connect 2026 to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow is a strategic one. Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and a growing international hub, provides the ideal backdrop for such an influential event. The SEC is a world-class venue with ample space and modern facilities, making it the perfect setting to host this high-profile tourism event.

Hosting VisitScotland Connect in Glasgow is expected to further boost the city’s visibility on the global stage, drawing attention to Scotland as a whole. Glasgow’s reputation for hosting successful international conferences and events, coupled with its accessibility, will no doubt play a crucial role in attracting a diverse range of international buyers. With more than 20 million visitors flocking to Glasgow annually, the city has become an essential part of Scotland’s tourism strategy.

The Importance of VisitScotland Connect

VisitScotland Connect plays a vital role in promoting Scottish tourism by connecting local businesses with the global travel trade. This event is one of the key tools in VisitScotland’s efforts to increase international visitation and spending. The tourism sector is an important part of Scotland’s economy, with travel and tourism directly contributing £11 billion to the country’s GDP.

Through the event, Scottish businesses—ranging from hotels and restaurants to tourist attractions and experience providers—are provided with a platform to showcase their offerings to an international audience. At the same time, international travel trade professionals, such as tour operators and travel agents, gain a deeper understanding of Scotland’s diverse tourism products, helping them to promote Scotland as a top destination for travellers.

For Scotland, expanding its share of the global tourism market is essential. The aim is not just to increase the number of visitors but also to raise the value of tourism. According to VisitScotland, the spending of overseas visitors reached a total of £2.1 billion in 2024 alone, and the agency aims to ensure that the international appeal of Scotland continues to grow.

A Look Back at VisitScotland Connect 2025

The success of VisitScotland Connect in 2025 provides a solid foundation for the 2026 event. Held in Aberdeen, the event attracted 243 Scottish businesses and 272 international buyers, leading to over 8,200 business meetings. These meetings resulted in an estimated £8.6 million worth of bookings for Scotland, underlining the event’s importance in securing new business for Scottish tourism.

One of the key highlights of the 2025 edition was the formation of Visit Ayrshire and Arran, a regional partnership that saw businesses from Ayrshire come together to form a unified front. This was the first time that local councils, the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, and organisations such as VisitArran joined forces to promote the region internationally. This partnership not only benefited individual businesses but also allowed the wider region to present itself as a desirable destination for global travellers.

The success of the 2025 event is also evident in the number of new businesses that participated for the first time. Fifty new businesses were welcomed to VisitScotland Connect, and the opportunity to showcase their offerings to international buyers resulted in substantial future bookings. It is clear that this event provides unmatched opportunities for tourism businesses, particularly those looking to internationalise and tap into global markets.

VisitScotland Connect 2026: What’s New?

As we look ahead to VisitScotland Connect 2026, several key elements are set to make this year’s event even more significant. Firstly, the move to Glasgow will offer new networking opportunities and greater access to international trade professionals. Glasgow’s proximity to international travel routes and its vibrant business ecosystem make it an ideal place for hosting large-scale events like this one.

Secondly, the event will feature an expanded programme, providing more opportunities for businesses to participate in one-on-one meetings with global buyers. The aim is to ensure that businesses are not just attending the event but also actively engaging with potential partners to build meaningful, long-term relationships.

Additionally, VisitScotland Connect 2026 will focus on sustainability and promoting responsible tourism. As the global tourism industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that Scotland maintains a reputation for sustainable and eco-friendly travel experiences. By incorporating these values into the event, VisitScotland aims to attract more conscientious travellers and tourism operators, ensuring that Scotland remains a sustainable and attractive destination.

How to Participate in VisitScotland Connect 2026

Businesses interested in participating in VisitScotland Connect 2026 can now register through the official website. This event is designed for trade-ready businesses—those who are prepared to work with international buyers and are looking to expand their market reach. It is an excellent opportunity for tourism providers of all sizes to network with global travel industry professionals and secure new bookings for the years ahead.

For tourism businesses, this event is a critical opportunity to increase their visibility, network with international trade professionals, and ultimately secure valuable business deals. Participation can lead to significant growth in bookings, especially for businesses based in regions such as Ayrshire, the Highlands, and the Outer Hebrides, which are all keen to showcase their tourism offerings to a global audience.

Conclusion

For Scottish tourism, VisitScotland Connect 2026 is set to be a historic occasion. Glasgow will serve as the event’s new host city, providing Scottish companies with exciting chances to network with international partners, raise their profile abroad, and support Scotland’s expanding international tourism industry. Businesses can take advantage of this exceptional chance to increase their global presence and land important reservations for years to come by registering early.