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With the Commonwealth Games 2026 bringing global attention to Glasgow this summer, Scotland is set to become one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for travellers looking to combine world-class sporting events with incredible scenery, culture, food and unforgettable touring opportunities.

For many clients, the Games will be the starting point rather than the entire holiday. While Glasgow will naturally be buzzing with atmosphere, entertainment and live events, Scotland’s compact size and excellent transport links make it easy to turn a sporting getaway into a wider Scottish adventure.

From the dramatic Highlands and lochs to elegant cities, whisky trails, coastal escapes and luxury countryside retreats, Scotland offers agents endless opportunities to create memorable itineraries for couples, families, groups and premium travellers alike.

Glasgow – the heart of the Games

As host city for the Commonwealth Games 2026, Glasgow will be packed with energy throughout the event period. Known for its friendly atmosphere, legendary music scene, impressive Victorian architecture and excellent shopping and dining, Glasgow offers far more than sporting venues alone.

Clients attending events can explore vibrant neighbourhoods like Finnieston and the West End, discover galleries and museums, enjoy live entertainment or take advantage of easy rail connections to the rest of Scotland before or after the Games.

For clients wanting to stay close to the Commonwealth Games action while enjoying everything Glasgow has to offer, these properties provide excellent bases throughout the event period:

5* Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel

Perfect for clients wanting a luxury city experience during the Games, this elegant property combines historic architecture with stylish interiors, a destination spa, sophisticated dining and a prime central location close to many of Glasgow’s key attractions, restaurants and transport connections.

4* Hotel Indigo Glasgow

Combining contemporary style with a central location, Hotel Indigo Glasgow provides an excellent base for clients attending the Commonwealth Games while also exploring the city’s vibrant dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Glasgow Central Station is just a short walk away, making it easy to continue a wider Scottish adventure beyond the event itself.

3* Moxy Glasgow SEC

A modern and lively option close to the Scottish Event Campus, this trendy hotel works particularly well for younger travellers, couples and groups wanting easy access to entertainment venues, nightlife and sporting events without compromising on style or location.

Edinburgh – combine the Games with Scotland’s capital

Just under an hour from Glasgow by train, Edinburgh offers an easy multi-centre addition for clients wanting to experience Scotland’s historic and cultural side alongside the excitement of the Games.

From Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to rooftop bars, luxury shopping, whisky tastings and world-class restaurants, the city delivers a completely different atmosphere to Glasgow while remaining incredibly accessible.

For travellers combining the Games with time in Scotland’s capital, these Edinburgh properties offer stylish and well-located stays:

5* Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Blending contemporary luxury with a fantastic Old Town location, this stylish property places guests close to Edinburgh Castle, vibrant dining scenes and many of the city’s most famous landmarks, making it an excellent choice for clients extending their Scottish itinerary.

5* The Balmoral

One of Scotland’s most iconic luxury hotels, The Balmoral combines timeless elegance with exceptional service, fine dining and an unbeatable location at the heart of the city. Ideal for premium clients wanting a truly memorable Scotland experience.

The Scottish Highlands – scenery, rail journeys and unforgettable touring

For travellers wanting to explore beyond the cities, the Scottish Highlands deliver some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes. Dramatic mountains, famous lochs, castles and scenic driving routes create endless opportunities for touring holidays and self-drive itineraries.

The Highlands also appeal strongly to international travellers wanting to experience Scotland’s more cinematic side, with locations featured in films and television series recognised around the world.

For clients wanting to experience Scotland’s dramatic scenery and iconic touring routes, these Highlands properties provide unforgettable bases for exploration:

5* Fonab Castle Hotel

Set beside the peaceful waters of Loch Faskally, this luxurious castle hotel blends historic Scottish charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can enjoy elegant dining, a destination spa and easy access to Highland scenery, whisky experiences and outdoor adventures throughout Perthshire and beyond.

5* Links House at Royal Dornoch

Ideal for luxury touring and golf-focused clients, this boutique Highlands property offers stylish accommodation, fine dining and close proximity to the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Its location also makes it a fantastic base for exploring Scotland’s scenic northeast coastline and North Coast touring routes.

4* Kingsmills Hotel

Situated close to the centre of Inverness, this elegant Highlands hotel combines traditional Scottish character with modern comfort, extensive leisure facilities and easy access to Loch Ness, whisky distilleries and some of Scotland’s most scenic touring routes.

Loch Lomond – outdoor adventure and easy escapes from Glasgow

Located less than an hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond offers the perfect extension for clients wanting a more relaxed escape after the excitement of the Games. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, scenic walks, golf, spa retreats and charming villages while still remaining within easy reach of Glasgow Airport and the city itself. For travellers seeking a more relaxed escape surrounded by Scotland’s famous natural beauty, this Loch Lomond property offers the perfect countryside retreat:

5* Cameron House on Loch Lomond

One of Scotland’s best-known luxury resorts, Cameron House offers stunning loch views, golf, a luxury spa, fine dining and a wide range of outdoor activities, making it ideal for couples, families and premium leisure travellers.

St Andrews – golf, coastal scenery and luxury stays

For clients looking to continue their Scotland journey, St Andrews delivers world-famous golf alongside charming streets, coastal scenery, boutique shopping and a relaxed atmosphere that feels completely different to the energy of Glasgow during the Games.

The destination works particularly well for luxury travellers, couples and clients seeking slower-paced touring experiences, with beautiful beaches, historic landmarks and excellent dining all adding to its appeal.

For premium leisure travellers continuing their Scottish adventure beyond the Games, this St Andrews property delivers an exceptional coastal stay:

5* Rusacks St Andrews

Overlooking the world-famous Old Course, this beautifully restored hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury, stylish dining venues and spectacular coastal views, creating an exceptional stay for golf lovers and premium travellers alike.

Scotland is ready for its moment

The Commonwealth Games 2026 will undoubtedly bring huge attention to Glasgow, but for agents, the opportunity goes far beyond event tickets and city stays alone. Scotland offers the perfect combination of major sporting excitement and wider touring potential, allowing travellers to experience everything from vibrant cities and luxury hotels to dramatic landscapes and unforgettable road trips.

With strong rail links, excellent self-drive routes and a huge variety of accommodation options available through Stuba, Scotland is perfectly positioned to become one of the UK’s standout destinations throughout 2026.

Tips for Travel Agents

  • Recommend multi-centre itineraries combining Glasgow with Edinburgh or the Highlands to maximise client experiences
  • Encourage clients to book early, as accommodation demand during the Commonwealth Games period is expected to be extremely high
  • Position Scotland as more than just a sporting destination by highlighting touring routes, golf, whisky experiences and luxury countryside stays
  • Suggest rail travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh for easy, stress-free city combinations