Thursday, March 14, 2024
The coach tourism sector is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events, the British Tourism & Travel Show 2024.
The free-to-attend travel trade show is set to welcome thousands of tour planners when it returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 20 and 21 March.
The major exhibition serves as a source of inspiration for those responsible for planning coach trips, tours and holidays.
Showcasing a broad spectrum of group-friendly attractions, destinations and accommodation providers, the event aims to enlighten attendees about the best opportunities for group travel in the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
A comprehensive guide for group travel plans
Over 200 exhibitors, including more than 60 making their show debut, will be on hand to provide ideas for unique tours and excursions.
From historic properties to adventure challenges, from boat cruises to vineyards, the show boasts 84 attractions that cater to a variety of interests.
For those planning overnight stays, the choices are abundant, with 73 group-friendly hoteliers ranging from boutique independents to multinational chains.
The British Tourism & Travel Show is not confined to the borders of the UK. Attendees can explore 41 diverse destinations, including off the-beaten-track villages, towns, counties, and countries.
International exhibitors from France, India, Netherlands, Somalia, Spain, South Africa, and Uzbekistan will be present to showcase their offerings to those in the business of planning global tours.
In addition to igniting inspiration for itineraries, the show offers a free keynote programme, sponsored by the Home Office.
The programme is designed to keep attendees well-informed about crucial changes in the travel landscape and emerging trends that may present new business opportunities.
Home Office update: new ESA requirements
A significant addition to the keynote lineup is Paul Howarth, Head of Engagement for the Home Office’s Future Border and immigration Systems Programme.
He will provide insights into the UK’s introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation, and its implications for tourists and business visitors, who will soon require permission before they travel.
Attending operators will gain an understanding of how this will impact their clients and the foresight needed to navigate its requirements.
Latest tourism insights and initiatives
VisitEngland will also take the stage with Vicky Parr, Business Support Project Manager, first updating attendees on the latest research into the volume and value of tourism in England, stemming from VisitEngland’s English Tourism Week campaign.
Attendees will then be introduced to representatives from newly create Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP), including Jon Chamberlain, Visit West (Bath & Bristol); Sally Graff, Cotswold Tourism and Stella Birks, Visit Derby.
They will offer insights into visitor opportunities in Bristol, Bath, The Cotswolds, Derby and Plymouth.
Blue Badge Guides share insider insights
More inspiration for tour themes and programmes will be delivered by the Blue Badge Guides, who are set to host a series of talks over the two-days.
They will be drawing on their in-depth local knowledge to unveil lesser-known highlights, cultural nuances, anecdotes, and historical context across various UK destinations, offering insights to inform compelling travel experiences.
Trends shaping the tourism landscape
Further sessions promise to equip coach tour operators with an understanding of the trends shaping the sector.
Alexander Göransson, Senior Consultant at Euromonitor International, will provide insights into the latest forecasts for the number of trips and spending in UK travel, profiling various traveller types, and exploring the luxury traveller as an opportunity.
While ‘Marketing Trends for Growth & Positive Impact’, presented by Anthony Rawlins, CEO of Navigate, promises a deep dive into the real-time challenges facing tourism brands, and tactics to drive business growth.
Another keynote, hosted by Manu Kastia, Founder and Head of Strategy at Digital Dialog, will unravel the mysteries of artificial intelligence and its application in enhancing traveller experiences.
Evolving expectations in group travel
For coach tour operators navigating the labyrinth of changing customer expectations, insights from prominent coach operators—David Blake, Managing Director, Blakes Coaches; Jason Edwards, Owner, Jason Edwards Travel; Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director, Bakers Dolphin—and a panel of AGTO members, will prove invaluable.
These two panel sessions will offer a comprehensive exploration of the shifting dynamics in group travel.
Building connections through B2B networking
In addition to exploring the comprehensive exhibition and gaining learnings from the keynote programme, operators visiting the British Tourism & Travel Show will have a prime opportunity to network with peers, build relationships, and explore collaborative prospects.
Recognising the importance of B2B networking within the sector, the Coach Tourism Association will be sharing further opportunities for operators to come together in a final keynote session on day two.
Attendees will learn how to unlock opportunities for new partnerships and business growth through trade association membership.
Personalised show itineraries
Attending the British Tourism & Travel Show will equip coach tour operators with inspiration, intelligence, and connections to enhance competitiveness.
Those who register in advance can take advantage of the meeting planner, which can assist with effective show time management.
The platform enables users to search for exhibitors of interest, plan meetings, and schedule keynote sessions of interest into a personalised itinerary.
Tags: Travel
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
