The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) has announced that the 2026 Youth & Student Travel Summit (YSTS) will take place in Liverpool from 5–6 October 2026, bringing together key decision-makers from across the global youth, student and educational travel sector.
Following successful events in Manchester (2023), Bristol (2024) and Leeds (2025), the Summit continues BETA’s commitment to showcasing destinations across the UK and supporting the dispersal of international youth travellers beyond London.
A key feature of the 2026 Summit will be BETA’s international hosted buyer programme, which will bring 25–35 international buyers from key global markets to Liverpool. These buyers collectively send significant volumes of youth and student travellers to the UK each year and will take part in:
- A dedicated business day at Liverpool Football Club on 6 October, featuring inspiring speakers, sector insights and a full programme of pre-arranged 1:1 business meetings with UK suppliers
- A Welcome Reception at the iconic The Cavern Club on 5 October, offering delegates the opportunity to connect and experience one of Liverpool’s most famous cultural landmarks
- A week-long familiarisation and stakeholder programme designed to showcase Liverpool’s cultural, educational and visitor experiences, while introducing buyers to the wider region and surrounding destinations
Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:
“Liverpool has a strong international reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich destination, making it a natural fit for the Youth & Student Travel Summit.
The city offers a compelling mix of experiences for young travellers, from its world-famous musical heritage and iconic waterfront to major sporting venues, museums, and cultural attractions, providing rich opportunities for educational and youth-group itineraries.
We look forward to welcoming international buyers and industry leaders to experience the city first-hand, and to working with partners across the Liverpool City Region to create new opportunities that will bring more youth and student travellers to the area.”
The Summit will attract over 150 delegates, including educational travel providers, tour operators, destination marketing organisations, accommodation providers and policymakers. Through a combination of expert discussions, networking and targeted business meetings, the event aims to generate new partnerships and support the continued growth of the youth and student travel sector.
Emma English, Executive Director of the British Educational Travel Association, said:
“We are delighted to bring the Youth & Student Travel Summit to Liverpool in 2026. Liverpool is a city with a powerful global brand, rich cultural heritage and an exciting visitor offer that resonates strongly with young travellers.
By welcoming international buyers to experience the destination first-hand, alongside our focused business programme, we can help create new itineraries and partnerships that will bring more youth and student groups to Liverpool and the wider region in the years ahead.”
For more information and to register, click HERE.