Details of the speaker programme at the upcoming British Tourism & Travel Show have been announced ahead of the event taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 19-20 March.
Sessions across both days will explore the latest trends, itinerary inspiration and insights in the group travel field, with accessibility, sustainability and emerging trends prominent in the line-up.
Set to address show visitors are representatives from organisations such as the Association of Group Travel Organisers, the Coach Tourism Association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, UKinbound, and other experts who will share practical experience and market knowledge.
Tour operators and group travel organisers will come together for the show. In addition to learning from speakers’ insights, they will take advantage of two days of learning, discovery and networking opportunities.
Exhibitors representing attractions, destinations, hotels and venues from across the UK and Ireland will be present at the British Tourism & Travel Show.
Wednesday 19 March speaker line-up
1100-1130hrs – Coach friendly planning: Access all areas. Confederation of Passenger Transport UK Coach Manager Phil Smith will share economic and environmental insights into coach’s role in group travel.
Mr Smith will explore how destinations are improving facilities for coaches and achieving Coach Friendly status. This session will also provide a guide on how coach friendly policies can enhance the group experience and empower operators to share a more coach friendly future.
1200-1225hrs – Legal compliance in 2025. Travlaw Legal Services Senior Partner Matt Gatenby will present an overview of essential legal requirements for tour operators and group travel businesses.
1245-1310hrs – Trigger thinking: Shut up and take my money. The Plot founder Catherine Warrilow will explore the psychology behind travel purchasing decisions and offer insights into creating compelling brand strategies that convert interest into sales.
1345-1410hrs – AI in action: Practical use cases to kickstart your AI journey today. Digital Dialogue Founder and Head of Strategy Manu Kastia will demonstrate how tour operators and group travel organisers can leverage AI tools for data analysis, marketing, pricing strategies and operational efficiency via real-world examples and practical applications.
1430-1445hrs – How groups can embrace Austen250 in 2025. Visit West Head of Marketing Jon Chamberlain will showcase opportunities around Jane Austen’s 250th birthday celebrations. He will highlight potential itineraries that combine Bath with other significant Austen locations.
1500-1550hrs – Travel without limits: Designing for accessibility and inclusion. In this expert panel session, speakers will give their insights and explore strategies for creating inclusive travel experiences:
• James Dixon-Box, Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
• Cheryl Everitt, A Wheel and Away
• Hester Grainger, Perfectly Autistic
• Ray Veal, Tourism for All.
Thursday 20 March speaker line-up
1130-1155hrs – Inbound travel trade: A golden opportunity. UKinbound CEO Joss Croft will share the latest visitor trends, industry challenges and opportunities for businesses to boost their inbound tourism engagement.
1215-1245hrs – Tour planning: Are you acting responsibly? A panel hosted by the Association of Group Travel Organisers will explore how to deliver sustainable trips that benefit local economies.
1300-1330hrs – Winning new customers to coach holidays. Hosted by the Coach Tourism Association, this panel session will see three speakers discuss strategies to attract new customers to coach holidays:
• Jason Edwards, Jason Edwards Travel
• Louise Fitzpatrick, Albatross Travel
• Graham Hopcraft, DFDS.
Commenting on the speaker programme at the British Tourism & Travel Show 2025, Event Manager Lloyd Jones says: “After introducing a call for speakers for this year’s show, we are delighted with the strong line-up of experts that are set to feature.
“The topics reflect current themes, challenges and opportunities, and will provide tour operators and group travel organisers with practical strategies for growth, accessibility, and sustainable tourism.
“We are excited to bring these industry experts together and offer a rich programme to attendees.”
Entry to the British Tourism & Travel show is free. For more information and to register, visit the show website.
