The Global Agritourism Network has announced the dates for its inaugural global conference, to be held in Scotland in June 2026. The announcement follows the United Nations’ official declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a theme that will feature prominently in the year’s industry events. Agritourism operators now have a clear timeline for two key professional development and networking opportunities: a virtual summit in May and an in-person conference in June.

Inaugural Global Conference Set for Scotland

The first Global Agritourism Conference will take place from June 23-25, 2026, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The event is designed to bring together operators and industry stakeholders to analyze emerging opportunities, shared challenges, and the evolution of the agritourism sector worldwide.

For planning and budgeting purposes, the key dates are as follows:
* June 18-21: The Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.
* June 21-22: Pre-conference tours departing Edinburgh for Aberdeen, visiting six agritourism businesses.
* June 23-25: The 3-day primary conference in Aberdeenshire, which includes additional tours and a gala dinner.
* June 26-30: A series of three distinct 5-day tours covering agritourism enterprises in North, West, and East Scotland.

Virtual Summit to Precede Conference

Prior to the in-person conference, the 9th World Agritourism Day will be held as a global virtual gathering on May 16, 2026. The theme for the event is “Women Farmers Leading Agritourism and Sustainable Rural Economies Globally.” This digital event provides an accessible opportunity for operators who may not travel to Scotland to engage with global industry trends.

Strategic Implications for Operators

The confirmation of these events provides agritourism businesses with critical information for strategic planning. The dual focus on female leadership and sustainable economies signals a significant market trend that operators can integrate into their marketing and business development strategies for 2026 and beyond.

The conference and associated tours in Scotland offer a direct opportunity to observe diverse and successful operational models, gain international market intelligence, and establish a global network of peers. The advance notice of these dates allows business owners to allocate time and financial resources for professional development within their 2026 fiscal planning.

The WAAA News Team