The Coach Tourism Association (CTA) has unveiled a new look for its flagship annual event, which will be next held in Derry-Londonderry on 6-10 February 2026.
The CTA Annual Workshop, sponsored by Tourism Ireland, will focus on networking opportunities, replacing the previous format that included conference speakers.
CTA’s “buyer workshop” on 9 November will involve a full day of business development meetings. This allows CTA members – both tour operators and wholesalers – to network with supplier members, which range from tourism attractions to hotels.
The new approach follows feedback from CTA members, who wanted more chance to network, the association says.
The workshop element included a record 1,200 meetings at this year’s event, which was held in Stratford-upon-Avon.
“Business development is the main objective of CTA’s events, and the new-look Annual Workshop sponsored by Tourism Ireland promises to drive this further,” says CTA Chair Robert Shaw.
“The trend across previous events has shown continuing demand from our members for formal business discussions, which has been supported by year-on-year growth in the number of meetings taking place at the preceding workshops.
“For next year’s event, the Workshop will see another record increase in the amount of meetings taking place between buyers and suppliers.”
The programme will feature familiarisation trips, such as visits to the Causeway Coast or Mid Ulster on Saturday 7 February, with accommodation provided by Tourism Northern Ireland.
The main trip is a guided walking tour of Derry-Londonderry’s walls on Sunday, 8 February.
The buyer workshop on Monday will take place at the Everglades Hotel, Derry-Londonderry, with both the Everglades and the Ebrington Hotel providing accommodation.
Further networking opportunities will present themselves at dinners at the Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry and the Walled City Brewery.
An early booking discount is available for members until 14 November, while the final booking deadline for those wishing to take part in workshop appointments is 19 December.
CTA invites operators, wholesalers, and suppliers who are not yet members to sign up in order to attend.
“Following the success of the CTA Conference in Belfast in 2023, Derry-Londonderry is set to be a popular and exciting destination for the 2026 event, with fam trips showcasing what the city and surrounding area has to offer coach groups,” says Robert Shaw. “The new format further strengthens the position of the event as the UK’s biggest annual business development opportunity for the coach tourism industry. We encourage buyers and suppliers alike to book early and secure their place.”
