A chance for group tourism experts to get together at one-day group travel show. Jessica Barton reports
Excursions took place at Alexandra Palace on 27 January, with over 200 attractions and destinations showcasing what they have to offer groups.
Many exhibitors took the opportunity to present their new groups visits guides, including Visit Isle of Wight, the Belgian Tourist Office-Wallonia and the New Lanark Mill World Heritage Site.
New Lanark Mills also brought attention to its rebrand, with the addition of the word ‘Mills’ to its name to make clearer what the attraction is.
Group co-ordinators from seven of the Treasure Houses of England (pictured l-r: Ryan Prescott, Harewood House; Gareth Fletcher and Katie Staff, Chatsworth House; Emma Bushell, Holkham House; Emma Waddup, Hatfield House; Stef Harlow, Leeds Castle;
Cathy Penry, Blenheim Palace; Lisa Weaver, Woburn Abbey) took the opportunity to get together to discuss ideas.
Says Woburn Abbey and Garden’s Groups Co-ordinator, Lisa Weaver: "The meeting was really useful, and we were able to discuss ideas and compare what we each do. Sharing contact details allows us to support each other and bounce ideas around until we meet up again.”
There was also access to the Mary Rose Experience where guests were able to handle some replica artefacts and real objects from the ship. And hourly Matinee Shows presented by Groups Direct in association with James R Hearn.
Anna Wilson-Barnes, Travel Trade Marketing Manager at Tourism South East, says: “We would like to thank all those who came along to the show, and our many exhibitors, for making it a great day out.”
