The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC Birmingham on 22-23 March, with over 50 new exhibitors confirmed to enhance the group tourism sector’s biggest annual event.
More than 250 leading destinations, attractions, hotels and venues will be exhibiting to inspire coach tour planners with the best of Britain and Ireland.
The event gives visitors an unrivalled chance to taste local delicacies, network with like-minded industry professionals and learn from the unmissable speaker line-up, as well as gaining lots of ideas for unique tours and excursions.
New exhibitors to explore
Some of the biggest names in British tourism will be exhibiting at the free-to-attend show, including Chatsworth, Devon’s Top Attractions, Eurotunnel, The Royal Mint Experience, and The World of James Herriot.
Familiar favourites will be joined this year by over 50 exhibitors making their show debut. There will be a strong showing from Wales including new exhibitors Aberglasney Gardens, Celtic Royal Hotel, Saundersfoot Harbour, The Vale Resort, and Transport for Wales.
Changing fashions can be seen in brands participating for the first time including several destinations that are growing their tourism offer, notably in the Midlands.
Discover Melton, King Richard III Visitor Centre, Visit Harborough, Visit Leicester & Leicestershire, Visit Oswestry, Visit Shropshire, and West Midlands Growth Company are all first-time exhibitors hoping to attract scores of coach groups, along with Borough Council, South Scotland Destination Alliance and Wakefield Council.
Exciting attractions abound at this year’s event, with major tourism brands including Belvoir Castle, Drayton Manor Park and the Royal Air Force Museum also new to the show. Likewise, Classic British resorts and perennially popular destinations such as Visit Isle of Wight, Kerry County Council and Destination Bristol will be exhibiting for the first time.
From Liverpool Football Club to the Great Western Railway; from Tourism Ireland to Forth Boat Tours; the cream of all corners of the British Isles will inspire group tour planners with exciting itinerary ideas, along with dozens of hotel groups, DMOs, ticket specialists and tour wholesalers.
Keynote speakers
Once again, the show’s Keynote Theatre will feature big names in tourism sharing their wisdom with coach tour planners and group tour organisers. They’ll cover everything from trends, tips, technology, research, and opportunities facing the travel trade today.
Already confirmed to speak are English Heritage CEO Kate Mavor and Andy Headington from digital tourism marketing agency Adido, with a presentation on emerging market trends from Euromonitor. More seminars will be announced soon.
‘More content, more ideas’
Event Manager Lloyd Jones says: “The British Tourism & Travel Show has proved itself year after year as a key event for providing the domestic tourism industry with ideas for their upcoming itineraries.
“Visitors can once again immerse themselves in this two-day showcase, gaining inspiration from big names in the industry. Among them will be 50 (and rising) new exhibitors, so there’s even more great content and new ideas to enjoy this year.”
Visit tourismshow.co.uk to book your free trade ticket today
