Tourism Businesses in Dumfries and Galloway Urge to Participate in VisitScotland Connect 2026

Strategic Insights -

Tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are being encouraged to take part in the VisitScotland Connect 2026 event, a special networking opportunity that will give them the chance to do business with global tour operators. The event, supported by Visit Glasgow, will be held at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. Last year's event in Aberdeen saw Dumfries and Galloway tourism businesses take part, meeting international buyers and travel agents who plan trips to Scotland for their clients worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 80 meetings were held between Dumfries and Galloway tourism businesses and international buyers at the 2023 VisitScotland Connect event in Aberdeen, with the region truly shining.
  • The response to the event was phenomenal, with buyers actively seeking out the south of Scotland, citing its rich heritage, history, literary experiences, and breathtaking landscapes as key attractions.
  • VisitScotland Connect has been a game-changer for Annandale Distillery, allowing for high-quality, face-to-face meetings with international travel trade partners that couldn't be reached otherwise, resulting in new relationships and tangible bookings worth an estimated £8.6 million.
  • Business partnerships at the event resulted in forward bookings into 2026 and 2027, enabling businesses to strategically plan for the future and make necessary adaptations.
  • VisitScotland Connect is an integral part of the organization's work to help Scottish tourism and events businesses internationalize and capitalize on growing international interest.
  • According to Scottish growth sector statistics, the average total overnight spend by international and domestic visitors to Dumfries and Galloway is £131 million, stimulating investment, creating jobs, and enhancing Scotland's global reputation.

Statistics:

  • Over 8,000 meetings were held at the 2023 VisitScotland Connect event, resulting in estimated bookings worth approximately £8.6 million.
  • The average total overnight spend by international and domestic visitors to Dumfries and Galloway is £131 million.
  • The industry faces challenges due to the cost of living and the cost of doing business, but tourism in Dumfries and Galloway remains a vital sector, offering opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Sources:

  • "Tourism businesses urged to take part in VisitScotland Connect 2026", [STUART GILLESPIE], [no date]
  • STUART GILLESPIE, no publication date
  • https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/visitscotlandconnect