The Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) Spring Networking event in Llandudno on 21-22 May attracted 95 members.
Sponsors Visit Wales were represented in person at the event, which included a familiarisation trip plus a supplier showcase, networking dinner and a social media masterclass.
CTA reacted to member requests by bringing in branding and communication expert Sid Madge to deliver the social media masterclass. The supplier showcase enabled operators and wholesalers to meet hotels, attraction owners and service providers to provide help in developing new business opportunities.
“Support from Visit Wales and the venues on the fam trip showed how important coach tourism is to Wales,” says CTA Chair Robert Shaw. “Enthusiasm for the event generated an attendance of nearly 100 members, and glorious sunshine demonstrated the very best of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. The CTA Supplier Showcase created some very useful discussions to help grow business.”
The event included a trip to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, the National Slate Museum, and Penderyn Distillery followed by a dinner sponsored by Christmas in Birmingham.
“CTA’s networking events are valuable to bring industry buyers and suppliers together. The participation of Christmas in Birmingham, presenting the city’s festive events, is a really effective way of attracting coach groups,” says Ben Hau, Tourism Officer, Birmingham City Council.
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Dawn Bowden stresses the importance of coach for the tourism industry. “We know from research that coach and group travel is important for Wales’s visitor economy,” she says.
“Using sustainable modes of transport, coach travel can also help us with our aim to encourage people to discover all parts of Wales, all year round. Together with the coach tourism industry, we can hopefully grow the numbers of day visits and holidays here throughout the year.”
The next CTA event, Summer Networking, will take place on 23-24 July in Hertfordshire.
