Cresta Coaches assisted with the creation of a ‘virtual group travel fam trip’ of Bridgend County in South Wales that is currently in production by providing a vehicle for inclusion in filming.
The local operator’s Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B8R will be depicted driving along Porthcawl’s seafront. The film is being produced as an alternative to a traditional in-person ‘fam’ trip owing to challenges brought by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. It is aimed at coach tour operators, group travel organisers and the UK travel trade.
Besides the local authority and Cresta Coaches, Eastwood Media and Steve Reed Tourism were involved in its production. The film follows Mr Reed around the highways and byways of Bridgend County, and it features a variety of attractions and hotels.
Says Alice Brown, Destination Management Officer at Bridgend County Borough Council: “The tourism industry is facing unprecedented challenges currently. This promotional film aims to support our partners to prepare to welcome groups back to the area when circumstances allow.
“We know that the groups market plans well in advance and will be planning for 2021 and beyond already. Steve Reed Tourism is well known among the country’s tour planners and it’s good to have Steve taking the metaphorical wheel on this film.”
The Bridgend virtual fam production “includes a series of practical suggestions and possibilities for groups coming into the area,” adds Ms Brown.
Mr Reed views the film as “a great alternative to the idea of having people descend on an area and taking in a showcase event.” Tour planners around the UK will be sent a link to the production over the coming weeks.
