Published on
November 28, 2025
Scotland is once again setting the stage for a new era of adventure tourism innovation with the return of First Tracks, the UK’s first dedicated Adventure Tourism Launchpad Programme. After a highly successful inaugural run in 2025, the programme is back to nurture the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs eager to design unforgettable outdoor experiences. Coordinated by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), South of Scotland Enterprise, and Edinburgh Napier University, First Tracks opens its doors to innovators from across the UK who are ready to transform their bold ideas into tangible, high-impact tourism offerings.
The eight-week programme, commencing on 19th January 2026, will be held in the scenic Scottish Borders, a region renowned for its rolling hills, serene landscapes, and thriving outdoor adventure culture. The location itself serves as a source of inspiration for participants, offering firsthand experiences of the natural beauty and adventure potential that Scotland has to offer. By combining intensive business coaching with immersive, hands-on adventure learning, First Tracks provides a rare opportunity for participants to build tourism ventures that are both innovative and sustainable.
A Unique Platform for Creators and Adventurers
First Tracks is designed to cater to a wide range of participants, from early-stage entrepreneurs and startup founders to established small businesses looking to diversify into adventure tourism. It is particularly well-suited for those with a passion for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, or adventure-based experiences, but it also welcomes anyone with an innovative idea for enhancing Scotland’s adventure tourism sector.
The programme’s design emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. Unlike traditional business courses, participants do not simply attend lectures—they step into an ecosystem of innovation, where every session is crafted to foster hands-on learning and direct interaction with industry leaders. Through a combination of one-on-one mentorship, interactive group workshops, and networking sessions with experts in cycling, outdoor recreation, and adventure tourism, participants gain deep insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Learning by Doing: Mentorship and Practical Skills
A defining feature of First Tracks is its immersive, experiential approach. Participants are encouraged to explore, test, and refine their ideas in a supportive environment, ensuring that their tourism concepts are not only creative but also operationally and commercially viable. Entrepreneurs leave the programme equipped with practical skills, strategic knowledge, and the confidence to develop experiences that attract visitors while respecting Scotland’s natural environment.
Whether a participant envisions designing a thrilling mountain biking trail, a unique guided adventure tour, or an entirely new outdoor experience, First Tracks provides the resources and guidance necessary to bring these ideas to life. By connecting participants with mentors who have firsthand experience in adventure tourism and outdoor recreation, the programme ensures that every participant benefits from practical, actionable advice.
Strengthening Scotland’s Adventure Tourism Ecosystem
First Tracks also plays a key role in the wider vision for Scotland’s adventure tourism future. The programme complements the upcoming Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, scheduled to open in 2027. By nurturing talent and supporting innovative business ventures today, First Tracks contributes to a larger ecosystem designed to establish Scotland as a global hub for adventure tourism.
Participants gain access to a vibrant network of peers, mentors, and academic experts, creating a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared, tested, and developed. As Ed Ibbetson, Regional Development Coordinator at DMBinS, highlights, “First Tracks is more than a programme—it is a community where ideas take flight, and the future of tourism experiences is shaped.” This collaborative framework ensures that participants not only gain business expertise but also develop connections that can support their ventures long after the programme concludes.
Programme Structure and Key Dates
The 2026 edition of First Tracks is carefully structured to combine strategic business learning with hands-on adventure experiences:
- Duration: Eight weeks
- Start Date: 19th January 2026
- In-Person Sessions: Week of 26th January 2026 in the Scottish Borders
- Application Deadline: 12th December 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: By 19th December 2025
The curriculum covers key areas such as market analysis, operational strategies, business planning, and innovation in tourism services. Each module is designed to ensure that participants gain both the creative vision and practical expertise required to transform ideas into market-ready products that highlight Scotland’s outdoor beauty.
Why First Tracks is a Must-Join Programme
For individuals passionate about adventure, outdoor tourism, or innovative travel experiences, First Tracks offers an unmatched opportunity to merge entrepreneurship with exploration. Participants gain mentorship from seasoned experts, access to industry networks, and actionable insights that can turn their visions into successful businesses. It is not just about creating a product—it is about building a tourism venture that resonates with travelers, enhances the visitor experience, and contributes to Scotland’s reputation as a premier adventure destination.
By participating in First Tracks, entrepreneurs are poised to make a tangible impact on the UK’s adventure tourism landscape. The programme encourages bold, imaginative thinking while providing the tools to navigate the practical challenges of running a successful tourism business. From creating cycling tours that highlight hidden natural gems to curating adventure packages that combine thrill and sustainability, participants leave prepared to offer experiences that captivate and inspire visitors.
Shaping the Future of Outdoor Tourism in Scotland
As the 2026 edition of First Tracks approaches, Scotland once again invites innovators to step into a world where adventure meets enterprise. By fostering creativity, providing mentorship, and offering practical skills, the programme is helping to shape the future of outdoor tourism. Entrepreneurs who join First Tracks gain more than just business knowledge—they become part of a movement that is redefining adventure tourism in the UK and beyond.
Applications for the programme are open now, with the deadline set for 12th December 2025. For those looking to make their mark in adventure tourism, First Tracks represents a rare and invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and turn innovative ideas into unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Scotland’s landscapes are waiting, and so is the next generation of adventure tourism leaders—First Tracks 2026 promises a journey that is as transformative for participants as it is inspiring for the future of the industry.