VisitScotland Connect 2026 Registration Now Open for Glasgow Event

Strategic Insights -

The national tourism and event organization, VisitScotland, is gearing up for its key event, VisitScotland Connect 2026, which will take place for the first time in Glasgow next year. The event, held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), aims to drive the visitor economy by increasing Scotland's share of global tourism. This year's event at P&J Live in Aberdeen saw 15 organizations from Falkirk, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire meet with travel intermediaries, promoting the area's hidden gems to international visitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • VisitScotland Connect 2026 is a crucial event for driving Scotland's share of global tourism, with a focus on increasing the visitor economy.
  • The 2025 event at P&J Live in Aberdeen saw 15 organizations from Falkirk, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire attend, meeting with tour operators and travel agents to promote the area's offerings.
  • New figures show this year's event resulted in bookings worth an estimated £8.6 million to Scotland, with 8200 meetings held, up by 1200 on 2024.
  • A total of 50 Scottish tourism businesses that attended the event were new, with international visitors booking their trips through tour operators or travel advisors, helping Scottish suppliers get their experiences in front of global audiences.
  • VisitScotland Connect 2026 will be held on April 15 and 16, 2026, at the SEC in Glasgow, and registration is now open for trade-ready Scottish businesses.
  • The event is a significant platform for businesses to network and showcase what they have to offer visitors, with a focus on promoting the wider offer of the area, including walking and cycling routes, heritage sites, farm experiences, and local food.

Statistics:

  • £8.6 million: The estimated bookings worth to Scotland resulting from VisitScotland Connect 2025.
  • 8200: The number of meetings held at the event, up by 1200 on 2024.
  • 250: The number of tourism businesses that attended VisitScotland Connect 2025.
  • 270: The number of travel intermediaries that attended the event.
  • 50: The number of Scottish tourism businesses that attended the event for the first time in 2025.

Sources:

  • VisitScotland, "VisitScotland Connect 2026 Registration Now Open for Glasgow Event"
  • Falkirk Herald, "Falkirk businesses attend Scottish tourism event in Aberdeen"