Orkney was represented at VisitScotland Connect 2026 by Destination Orkney alongside tourism operators who met face-to-face with domestic and international travel buyers over two days of prearranged meetings at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). 

Among the businesses attending VisitScotland Connect 2026 was ORKNEYiNGA TOURS, a tour business offering bespoke guided tours of Orkney mainland – including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar – who were making their first appearance at the event. 

Inga Linklater, who owns the tour business, said: 

“As a small business owner and operator, attending VisitScotland Connect was a fantastic opportunity to grow my business.

“My experience of VisitScotland Connect was extremely positive. Getting the opportunity to meet people over the two days allowed genuine connections to be made. 

“We were able to meet with people who are not yet including Orkney in their offering and fill them with enthusiasm for our destination. Many want to include Orkney but don’t know where to start and we were able to give them practical advice, and recommendations and reassure them that it is doable.” 

The VisitScotland Connect 2026 was supported by Visit Glasgow. 

According to the Scottish Growth Sector Statistics, December 2025 the tourism sector supports 1,250 across Orkney.

Hotels, attractions, distilleries and tour operators took part in the event, organised like a “speed dating” experience, with short, one-to-one appointments designed to spark new business relationships. Scottish businesses were given 12 minutes to showcase their experiences before moving on to the next buyer.  

Also attending for the first time was  Immersive Orkney. Other businesses at the event were Pentland Ferries, Scapa Distillery and Serco NorthLink Ferries. 

VisitScotland Connect is part of the national tourism organisation’s business and market development activity designed to grow Scotland’s share of global travel in a sustainable way.  The event is part of a year-round approach with Scotland’s key markets to drive sustainable growth in the visitor economy, growing the value of tourism to Scotland and helping Scottish businesses internationalise. 

VisitScotland’s Development Manager, Cheryl Chapman said:

 “Our teams work closely with domestic and international tour operators, travel advisors and agents. 

“This is vital when more than half of Scotland’s international visitors plan and book their trips through these partners. 

“These relationships help shape new tourism products and itineraries, while giving us valuable insight into what global travellers are looking for. 

“VisitScotland Connect brings this work to life, giving Orkney tourism and events businesses access to buyers they may not otherwise reach. The connections made here continue long after the event ends, supporting business growth, strengthening Scotland’s year-round offer, and positioning the country as a responsible destination visitors want to return to. 

“VisitScotland Connect is part of our core purpose to drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland, and supporting jobs, businesses and communities.” 

This year’s VisitScotland Connect also celebrated Scotland’s rich musical heritage. Attendees enjoyed live performances that showcased Scotland’s contemporary and traditional music scene, reinforcing the event’s focus on connecting people, places and experiences.