The British Tourism and Travel Show (BTTS) will not be held in 2022, and instead will return to its traditional March position for 2023 after this year’s event on 22-23 September at the NEC Birmingham, organiser Diversified Communications has announced.
That only six months would pass between dates if BTTS was to be held in its usual position in 2022 is the reason for the decision, says Event Manager Lloyd Jones.
“There is a clear appetite for this year’s event, the only two-day group travel trade show in the calendar. Organisers, tour planners and coach operators tell us that they rely on it for inspiration and information that helps them to plan their group trips for the following year.
“However, because of the disruption caused by lockdown, and the fact that there would only be six months between this year’s show and the traditional March slot, we decided to move the next show into 2023 and return to our usual place in the calendar.
“As a result, we want to remind tour planners of the importance of visiting BTTS later this month to ensure they have the information they need to plan for 2022 and 2023.”
The decision has been supported by stakeholders. Among them is Denise Hanson of Hanson Exclusives, a group tour operator based in Pudsey.
She says: “I have been attending BTTS and its predecessors for 35 years. It is always an important show for me, giving me ideas and inspiration for planning tours in the future. I fully understand that having another show so soon after this one is not sensible.
“I also realise that if I miss this show I will have to wait until 2023 before the next one. So I will be heading to the NEC later this month, not only to pick up new ideas, but also to reconnect with friends and colleagues who I haven’t seen for nearly two years.”
The BTTS seminar programme was recently announced. Entry to the show is free, but registrations must be submitted in advance. They will not be accepted on the day. For more information and for tickets, click here.