West Dunbartonshire Tourism Businesses Invited to International Trade Event

Strategic Insights -

West Dunbartonshire tourism businesses are being encouraged to participate in VisitScotland Connect 2026, a major international trade event designed to boost Scotland's visitor economy and increase its share of global tourism. The event, which will take place at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow on April 15 and 16, will provide a platform for local businesses to connect with global tour operators, travel advisers, and Destination Management Companies. The event aims to capitalize on growing international interest and support Scottish tourism businesses in internationalizing their operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • VisitScotland Connect 2026 is a major international trade event aimed at boosting Scotland's visitor economy and increasing its share of global tourism.
  • The event will provide a platform for West Dunbartonshire tourism businesses to connect with global tour operators, travel advisers, and Destination Management Companies.
  • The total spend by overnight visitors to the wider Glasgow area in 2024 was £1.2 billion, stimulating investment, creating jobs, and enhancing Scotland's global reputation.
  • There are currently 220 tourism businesses and 3500 tourism jobs in West Dunbartonshire.
  • VisitScotland Connect 2026 is designed for trade-ready Scottish businesses offering accommodation, experiences, and attractions to meet with domestic and international travel trade buyers.
  • The event will include a program of familiarization (fam) trips, showcasing Scotland's tourism products and focusing on sustainability.
  • Tourism businesses ready to work with the travel trade can register to participate via the VisitScotland Connect event website.
  • The event aims to capitalize on growing international interest and support Scottish tourism businesses in internationalizing their operations.

Statistics:

  • Total spend by overnight visitors to the wider Glasgow area in 2024: £1.2 billion
  • Number of tourism businesses in West Dunbartonshire: 220
  • Number of tourism jobs in West Dunbartonshire: 3500
  • Number of Scottish tourism businesses that participated in VisitScotland Connect 2025: nearly 250
  • Number of travel intermediaries met with by Scottish tourism businesses at VisitScotland Connect 2025: over 270
  • Estimated £8.6m in bookings generated by VisitScotland Connect 2025

Sources:

  • West Dunbartonshire MP praises shipbuilding contract that will 'secure 2000 jobs' (image: Supplied)
  • Lynne Cooper, Regional Director at VisitScotland