More than 100 stakeholders gathered for the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) Spring Networking event in Cardiff on 9-11 May.
The event, sponsored by Visit Wales and the Welsh Government and supported by Southern Wales Tourism, assembled coach tour operators, wholesalers, and suppliers for the development of new products and partnerships.
The weekend included familiarisation tours to Tredegar House, Caerphilly Castle, National Museum Cardiff, the Museum of Cardiff, the Royal Mint Experience and Hensol Castle.
Coach transport was provided by Jason Edwards Travel.
The Supplier Showcase element of the programme gave 50 businesses the chance to promote themselves.
CTA also used the Spring Networking event to stage its AGM and welcome Geoff Holt, Managing Director of IOW Tours, to the board. Andrew Guthrie attended his first event as CTA Chief Executive.
“Cardiff and the surrounding area have a great deal to offer coach groups, and the weekend was well planned by Visit Wales and Southern Wales Tourism to present classic attractions alongside new highlights not previously visited by CTA members,” says CTA Chair Robert Shaw.
“High attendance of members at the event reflected the demand to create and present new product.
“While current global uncertainty is impacting, including the volume of in-bound visitors, CTA operator members are generally reporting strong bookings for the year ahead, both for UK and continental tours.”
Mr Shaw adds in reflection on the weekend: “The excellent variety of fam trips on offer, combined with the opportunities for face-to-face discussion with fellow industry stakeholders, demonstrated once again the benefit of CTA’s live events.
“If you’re an operator, the most effective way of enhancing your product is by attending CTA events, while for suppliers, meeting operators in-person is the best way to build trust.”
The association’s next main event will be CTA Winter Networking on 22-23 November, with the location still to be confirmed.
