VisitScotland

This World Whisky Month, we’re raising a glass to The Dramathon – a full marathon, or shorter distances, through the grounds of some of Speyside's most iconic distilleries. Our latest Trends report identified this surge in popularity for holidays taken to compete in social fitness events. 'Athleisure' is helping the visitor economy stay fully fit and get extra miles out of the season. According to organisers visitor survey, the event generates: • 1,500 runners and visitors from over 30 countries • Brings around 3500 unique visitors into the area • 50% of attendees stay for an average of 2 nights • Approx. 3500 bed nights Race Director, Paul McGreal, said: “Accommodation providers used to close at the end of September each year, this has now moved to post-Dramathon (mid-October) in many cases. "Dramathon is probably now the biggest weekend of the year in economic impact terms for several local towns and villages. “We source as many of the products and services as we can from local businesses, and use local accommodation and catering providers."

Some partnerships are a match made in marketing. We caught up with some of our Scottish partners to reveal the secrets behind what makes marketing partnerships go the distance - from shared values to keeping the creative spark alive. Featuring insights from Historic Environment Scotland, Museums Galleries Scotland, Caledonian Sleeper and ScotRail. 👇 Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2GPx

It's Scottish Agritourism Month, and ahead of The Global Agritourism Conference in June, we’re recognising the growing importance of agritourism to Scotland’s visitor economy. From farm stays and food experiences to distilleries and rural tours, it connects visitors with the people, landscapes and produce that define Scotland. As visitors increasingly seek meaningful, place-based experiences, Scotland’s #agritourism businesses are at the heart of a thriving, resilient tourism sector.

We’re excited to announce that VisitScotland Connect is returning to Glasgow in 2027. Scotland’s flagship travel trade event will be back Scottish Event Campus (SEC) on 14 – 15 April, supported by Visit Glasgow.    Hear from our Director of Marketing Jill Walker, buyers and suppliers on why VisitScotland Connect matters - from building valuable relationships to creating new business opportunities.    #VisitScotlandConnect #Glasgow

Tourism and events businesses are constantly evolving and adapting their product or experience to meet visitor needs. Hear how Ardardan Estate in #Argyll developed its visitor experience, working with travel trade partners to strengthening their product and reach new audiences. Explore our Business Support Hub for useful insights and valuable advice from other tourism and events businesses...

In our latest blog, Director of Marketing Jill Walker reflects on why #VisitScotlandConnect, our flagship travel trade event, which took place last month at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow and our Business Support Programme remains so important, particularly in times of uncertainty. And remember if you want to share details of any new travel trade experiences or products you can send them to us at: travel.trade@visitscotland.com

We’re hiring! We’re on the lookout for a Regional Events Partnerships Manager to support the strategic delivery of VisitScotland’s investment in cultural and sporting events. It is a permanent role and, as part of our hybrid working culture, is partially home based and partially office based, in one of our many office locations around the country. The last date for applications is Wednesday 27 May. Apply today.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges - and opportunities - facing Scotland’s tourism and events sector. Many businesses know they need to act, but aren’t sure where to start, what to prioritise, or have the confidence to begin. That’s why we created our Climate Action Accelerator Programme, delivered with Climate Springboard Programme at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute. Piping Live! are one of the businesses to complete the programme so far. Through the programme, their team - defined their carbon footprint for the event - Are developing a tailored Climate Action Plan for it - identified immediate, practical steps they could take right away Helen Urquhart, Head of Events, said: “If starting a sustainability journey feels too daunting… this course is for you. It breaks complexity into manageable steps and reframes net zero as a journey.” Climate Springboard Edinburgh Climate Change Institute Find out more about the Climate Action Accelerator Programme on our Business Support Hub, link in comments

What a welcome!   Congratulations to Glasgow Airport on the return of its direct United Airlines service to Newark/New York.   Our Head of Business Development and Intermediary Marketing, Denise Hill was on hand to welcome the inaugural flight when it touched down on Saturday.   Speaking about the returning service, Denise said: “This fantastic new service is helping more US visitors travel directly to Scotland’s largest city and experience the legendary Glaswegian welcome for themselves.   “The US continues to be our number one international visitor market, with growing numbers choosing to visit Scotland.   “It’s not only those who have ancestral ties who feel drawn to the warm, emotional pull of Scotland, we’re also seeing a wider audience of high yield US travellers interested in enjoying the many traditional and authentic experiences that connect them also with Scotland’s people and culture.” Credit: Glasgow Airport

From city streets to countryside parks, Scotland is blooming - and visitors and locals alike are loving it. Interest in spring blossom is on the rise, with more people searching for where to experience these beautiful displays. We’ve captured some of that beauty in the video below, which has gained strong engagement across our social channels. A simple but powerful example of how seasonal content can inspire real-world discovery. 🌸