Newcastle upon Tyne is set to host the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) annual conference and workshop this weekend.
Approximately 200 members of CTA, encompassing coach operators, wholesalers, and various tourism suppliers ranging from attractions to hotels, are expected to descend upon the city from 28-30 January for the gathering.
The event, located at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead hotel, is noted for hosting the CTA Meet the Buyer Workshop – believed to be the largest networking opportunity within the UK coach tourism industry. Last year the workshop facilitated around 800 meetings between buyers and suppliers.
This year’s conference promises an array of esteemed guest speakers.
Lyndsey Turner Swift, Deputy England Director at VisitEngland, will share her insights, alongside Brendan Sheerin, known for his role in Channel 4’s Coach Trip series.
Carol Southall, Head of Staffordshire Business School, will present a proposal for a joint research project with CTA, fostering academic-industry collaboration.
Further enhancing the regional focus, Ian Thomas, Visitor Economy Director at the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, is set to showcase tourism attractions in the region, emphasising their readiness to welcome coach groups.
Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in familiarisation (fam) trips, including a tour of Newcastle and visits to notable historical sites like Raby Castle in County Durham and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland.
In a prelude to the main event, delegates will also explore The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, and a post-conference fam trip to Amsterdam is on the agenda, courtesy of CTA partner DFDS.
The event provides a platform for CTA’s partners, including DFDS, Tourism Ireland, VisitScotland, Visit Wales, and Wrightsure, to engage with CTA members during a dedicated Networking lunch.
CTA Chair Robert Shaw remarks: “This year’s Conference and Workshop is set to be one of the best subscribed events in the organisation’s history, and we’re delighted to be in Newcastle upon Tyne.
“The annual meeting’s growing popularity is thanks to its business development potential, as well as the opportunity to discuss key issues facing the industry. The strong attendance is also a reflection on the positivity within the sector.”
