VisitScotland’s New CEO, Event Updates

Vicki Miller, formerly VisitScotland’s Director of Marketing and Digital, officially assumed her role as the national tourism organization’s Chief Executive Officer at the start of this month.

“Vicki brings a wealth of experience and leadership as she’s been with VisitScotland since 2005. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter as VisitScotland continues its focus on growing the value of the visitor economy for Scotland,” the organization said.

In addition, VisitScotland’s travel trade event, VisitScotland Connect, will return to P&J Live Aberdeen on 09-10APR 2025.

The event continues to play a crucial role in fostering connections between Scottish tourism businesses and international tour operators, encouraging responsible product development that ensures Scotland can be enjoyed for generations to come while growing its share of global travel in a sustainable way.

With a programme of fam trips tailored for buyers who are focusing on reduced carbon offerings, local food and drink, year-round experiences, and off-the-beaten-track destinations, VisitScotland Connect highlights Scottish businesses’ commitment to responsible tourism and showcases the nation’s diverse and sustainable tourism products. By providing a quality platform to drive Scotland’s visitor economy, the event offers a targeted opportunity for key buyers and suppliers to connect. It is designed to strengthen Scotland’s position as a responsible tourism destination, help businesses internationalise, and unlock significant business potential for the country’s vital tourism industry.

 Meaningful Travel Spotlight: Sustainable Scotland Product Showcase

Join us on Thursday, October 24, at 12.30pm (EDT) for a special webinar hosted by Tourism Cares in partnership with VisitScotland. Following the welcome and introduction, attendees will break out into ‘rooms’ and interact directly with Scottish suppliers who have developed unique and meaningful experiences for the travel trade.

From Scottish charities to family-run businesses and a UNESCO-accredited site, attendees will dive into what makes a ‘meaningful travel experience’ and learn how to help clients form deeper connections with Scotland’s people and places, while enabling tourism to be a real force for good.

Register for the webinar here.

Catch Up On Scotland: Webinar Recordings Available Now

VisitScotland hosts regular product presentations to keep travel intermediaries updated on new businesses and offerings across the country.  Currently, the Forth Valley product presentation is available to watch for those interested in this rich and vibrant region of Scotland, comprised of Stirling, Falkirk, and Clackmannanshire.  The product presentation includes speakers from the following businesses:

·       The Falkirk Wheel

·       Radical Weavers

·       Rosebank Distillery

·       Stirling University

·       Trossachs EBike Tours / Katrine Wheelz

Further regional product presentations will be available to watch shortly, keep an eye on this page for updates.

Also available is a recent webinar tailored for travel trade professionals sharing key updates on all things Scotland. The webinar offers a refresher on why visitors should choose Scotland, highlighting the likes of direct access, brand new product for 2024/25, and events, as well as providing listeners with useful travel trade resources and itineraries.

To watch the webinar recording, please see here.

Experience the Best of Rural Living on a Scottish Farm Holiday

VisitScotland’s latest visitor survey highlighted that travellers are looking for a real sense of connection when visiting a country, seeking experiences that are authentic and provide insight into the spirit of a destination.  With autumn in full swing, holiday-goers can get that true sense of place by visiting one of Scotland’s trade-ready working farms, many of which offer immersive experiences with their friendly sheep and cattle, an introduction to their fresh produce, and quirky accommodation for a romantic getaway or a family adventure.

Listed below is only a handful of the fun and innovative farms open to visitors in Scotland.  For more trade-ready product, check out the VisitScotland Travel Trade site.

·       The Ethical Dairy, Dumfries & Galloway

The Ethical Dairy is a family-run dairy farm described as ‘pioneers in ethical agricultural techniques and the owners are Silver Thistle Award* Winners for their outstanding contribution to tourism over many years and their radical new approach to dairy farming. Visitors can enjoy a farmer-led tour at The Ethical Dairy and meet the cows and calves or try their hand at cheese making at a full day course.

·       Bellevue Farm, Isle of Arran

Bellevue Farm is a family-run, working farm on the scenic Isle of Arran. The family and their team welcome visitors from far and wide to learn more about Arran, the food the land produces, and how to care for the animals.  The farm offers backstage tours so that visitors get an authentic working farm experience and also provide two self-catering holiday cottages with stunning country and coastal views.

·       Long Island Retreats, South Uist

Step off the beaten path and out onto the crofts at Long Island Retreats in South Uist.  From croft tours to Shetland pony experiences and sampling the homegrown produce, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this Hebridean adventure.

·       Peel Farm, Angus

Peel Farm is a third-generation family-owned farm in Angus. It now boasts its very own coffee shop with delicious home baked goods, a farm shop that stocks Highland beef, lamb, and other local produce from the farm, and two modern self-catering cottages available year-round.

·       Old Leckie Farm, Stirling

Discover the heart of Scottish farming at Old Leckie Farm in Stirling. Nestled under the Gargunnock Hills and surrounded by lush countryside and scenic views, Old Leckie Farm is a small family farm that offers a luxurious steading farmstay and interactive farm tours with highland cows, sheep, pigs, and free-range hens.

Connectivity

Visitors to Scotland can look forward to an expanded range of travel options with the return of key flight services, making it easier than ever to get to Scotland.

VisitScotland is excited to welcome back American Airlines’ daily seasonal route between Edinburgh and Philadelphia, resuming on 24 May 2025. This service, operating until 5 October 2025, strengthens connections between the East Coast of the United States and Scotland, served by a Boeing 787-800 aircraft.

These reinstated flights will boost Scotland’s tourism industry by increasing international visitor numbers and providing more flexible travel choices.

For a full list of connections to Scotland please visit: Overseas Travel & Flights to Scotland | VisitScotland.