International buyers and UK travel suppliers to gather in Liverpool to drive growth in youth, student and educational travel
Liverpool will welcome hundreds of travel industry professionals from across the UK and around the world when the Youth & Student Travel Summit 2026 arrives in the city for the first time on 5–6 October 2026.
Organised by the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), the annual Summit is the UK’s leading business event dedicated to youth, student and educational travel. The event will bring together UK suppliers, attractions, accommodation providers, destinations and experience operators with international buyers actively developing programmes for young people travelling to the UK.
The main business event will take place at Liverpool Football Club on Tuesday 6 October, while international buyers will also take part in a familiarisation visit across the city region and wider area from 5–8 October.
The Summit provides a valuable opportunity for Liverpool City Region and the wider UK visitor economy to showcase their offer to influential international buyers who are responsible for creating educational, cultural and youth travel itineraries. These buyers represent organisations that send thousands of young travellers to the UK each year, generating significant economic impact for destinations, attractions and accommodation providers.
Liverpool City Region’s selection as host reflects its growing reputation as a world-class destination for educational, cultural and student travel. The City Region offers a unique blend of heritage, music, sport, culture and learning experiences that continue to attract visitors from around the globe.
International buyers attending the Summit will have the opportunity to experience the area first-hand while building relationships with UK suppliers and destinations. Their participation is supported through BETA’s hosted buyer programme, which includes accommodation, meals, local transport and full access to the Summit.
The event also presents a significant opportunity for local businesses across Liverpool City Region. Attractions, accommodation providers, experience operators, transport companies and tourism organisations will be able to connect directly with international buyers and UK travel trade partners, opening doors to future business and long-term visitor growth.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:
“We are delighted that Liverpool City Region has been chosen to host the Youth & Student Travel Summit for the first time. Youth, student and educational travel play an important role in building future visitor markets, encouraging cultural exchange and showcasing everything our city region has to offer. Hosting this event provides a fantastic opportunity to introduce influential international buyers to the region’s world-class visitor experiences and to help local businesses develop valuable new trade relationships.”
“I would encourage tourism businesses, attractions, accommodation providers and experience operators across the Liverpool City Region to get involved, explore the opportunities available through the Summit and help us showcase the very best of our destination to a global audience.”
Emma English, Chief Executive of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), said:
“We are thrilled to bring the Youth & Student Travel Summit to Liverpool City Region or the first time. When selecting a host destination, we look for places that offer a compelling visitor experience, strong industry partnerships and a genuine commitment to welcoming international groups. Liverpool City Region stood out for all those reasons. Its rich cultural heritage, world-famous music and sporting attractions, excellent educational offer and warm hospitality make it an outstanding destination for young travellers.”
“The City Region also has an ambitious visitor economy and a collaborative tourism sector that understands the value of international trade engagement. By bringing buyers here to experience Liverpool first-hand, we are helping to create future business opportunities for local suppliers while inspiring new youth and student travel programmes that will bring visitors back to the city for years to come.”
BETA is encouraging tourism and hospitality businesses to participate in the event and take advantage of a special registration discount available to local organisations.
The Summit is expected to generate new commercial opportunities, strengthen international relationships and support future growth in educational, youth and student travel to both Liverpool and destinations across the UK.
For more information about the Youth & Student Travel Summit 2026, click HERE.