Scotland is preparing for a strong year of tourism growth following the success of VisitScotland Connect 2026, which brought together hundreds of international travel buyers and Scottish tourism businesses in Glasgow.
Held at the Scottish Events Campus on 14-15 April, VisitScotland’s flagship trade event attracted 330 international travel buyers from more than 20 countries and 289 Scottish tourism businesses, generating more than 10,000 business meetings aimed at driving future visitation and tourism investment.
Trade event boosts international opportunities
Supported by Visit Glasgow, the event highlighted the importance of travel trade partnerships, with more than half of international visitors booking all or part of their trips through tour operators.
A total of 68 suppliers attended for the first time, including Glasgow-based tour operator Gallus Pedals, which offers guided cycling experiences using refurbished former postal service bicycles.
Gallus Pedals owner Martin Heaney said engagement with international trade partners was already helping shape the company’s growth strategy through higher-value bookings and repeat business.
The event also included 13 familiarisation trips, giving 136 buyers the opportunity to experience Scotland’s tourism offering first-hand while visiting 170 tourism businesses across the country.
VisitScotland has confirmed Glasgow will again host VisitScotland Connect on 14-15 April 2027.
Packed calendar of sporting and cultural events
The event comes as Scotland prepares for a busy summer featuring major sporting and cultural attractions.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 and Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 are expected to drive significant visitor interest, while the Glasgow 2026 Festival will deliver a city-wide program of performances, music and community events from 23 May to 9 August.
Edinburgh’s annual festival season will also return, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Visitors can also begin exploring the future Tour de France Grand Départ route through the Scottish Borders ahead of the race’s arrival in 2027.
New hotels, dining and visitor experiences
Scotland’s tourism product continues to expand with a range of new accommodation, dining and visitor experiences opening across the country.
Recent openings include Perthshire boutique hotel Dùn Aluinn, Thackray House near Loch Lomond and Glasgow restaurant Eleven Fifty Five, while new properties such as The Kithmore Hotel in St Andrews and Hope Lodge in the Highlands are due to open later this year.
New attractions include the Deep Time Trail in the Scottish Borders, launched to mark the 300th anniversary of geologist James Hutton, and the People’s Sauna in Fife, which offers an outdoor wellness experience overlooking Kinghorn Loch.
These developments add to Scotland’s growing tourism appeal as the destination continues to invest in new experiences, infrastructure and international trade partnerships.
