The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) has announced that the 2026 Youth & Student Travel Summit (YSTS) will take place in Liverpool from 5–8 October 2026, bringing together key decision-makers from across the global youth, student and educational travel sector.
The event will welcome over 150 delegates, including UK suppliers, international tour operators and destination partners, creating new opportunities for collaboration across a sector that contributes over £37 billion annually to the UK visitor economy.
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 event 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.
The programme combines a dedicated business day with pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, networking opportunities and a familiarisation programme designed to showcase Liverpool’s visitor experiences and the wider region.
Delegates will also take part in:
• A dedicated business day at Liverpool Football Club on 6 October, featuring inspiring speakers, sector insights and a full programme of 1:1 business meetings with UK suppliers
• A Welcome Reception at the iconic Cavern Club on 5 October, offering delegates the opportunity to connect while experiencing one of Liverpool’s most famous cultural landmarks
• A 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 music 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.”
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 programme of one-to-one meetings and sector discussions, we can help buyers discover new products, develop fresh itineraries and build partnerships with UK suppliers.
Events like this play an important role in showcasing destinations across the UK and supporting the continued growth and dispersal of youth and student travel.”
Registration for the 2026 Youth & Student Travel Summit is now open.
For further information and to register, visit:
Author: Helen Leigh
