The British Tourism & Travel Show 2023 was buzzing with activity as it returned to the NEC in Birmingham on 22-23 March.
The event brought together hundreds of exhibitors representing destinations, visitor attractions, hoteliers and tourism suppliers to meet and connect with group travel organisers, tour operators and coach operators.
The free-to-attend show was hailed as an “excellent”, “inspirational”, and a “valuable resource” with a “great buzz” by visiting travel trade professionals and group leaders seeking new opportunities and ideas.
‘An excellent opportunity’
David Evans, CEO at D & D Travel, says: “The British Tourism & Travel Show is an essential part of my trade show calendar, as it showcases many of the places we like to use on our itinerary and places that cater to our core markets.
“With a focus on the domestic market, the British Tourism & Travel Show will always be an important part of our strategy.”
Likewise, Gaynor Harrison, Head of Business Development at GB Tours, says the show is “an important date on the trade show calendar for tour operators and buyers.” She adds: “It has a wide range of exhibitors and it provides an excellent opportunity to meet new and existing suppliers in one place.”
Says Chris Lodge, Director at Lodge Coaches: “I have attended the British Tourism & Travel Show for many years. The content is a valuable resource and the main contributor towards my yearly tour brochure.”
Awash with spectacle
Attendees were treated to samples of local delicacies such as Dorset biscuits, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, plus English and Scottish gins.
There were also plenty of exciting photo opportunities up and down the aisles.
The British Ironworks Centre brought a special guest – a ‘life-size’ sculpture of The Hulk and Thor for the ultimate selfie and The British Bird of Prey Centre brought Frodo the owl, who captured hearts and attention.
Thanks to Manchester City Club, visitors could also have their photo taken with the real Premier League Trophy. And on the second day of the event, Worcestershire re-enactment group The Battle of Evesham brought the theatrics with several medieval battles.
‘Inspirational’ Keynote talks
Visitors eager to hear more about the issues affecting their organisations in 2023 and beyond filled the Keynote Theatre on both days.
Speakers included representatives from Euromonitor, Visit Wales, the Association of Group Travel Operators, the Coach Tourism Association and more. And topics ranged from the latest travel trends, new tourism opportunities, and how to use digital marketing to increase sales and leads.
A seminar on how GTOs influence climate change was particularly popular, with a passionate description of how coach touring can become popular with younger people looking for ways to travel sustainably from John Johnson of Midlands-based coach operator Johnsons Coaches.
There was also a panel session on how the ‘group welcome’ has been impacted over the last few years and what needs to be done to improve in this area. A talk diving into the world of ‘experience culture’ also attracted crowds.
Stuart Render FCIPR FTS, of Stuart Render Tourism, says: “As the moderator for the Keynote Theatre sessions, I was struck by the enthusiasm and passion shown by the various speakers, from marketing agencies and well-respected coach tour operators to some of the UK’s leading and best-loved visitor attractions.”
A variety of talks from some of the most respected Blue Badge Guides was a new feature this year, which was a big hit with visitors.
“The stories and briefings from enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides offered audiences a great deal of inspiration and food for thought,” adds Mr Render.
Show visitor Amber Parish-Smith, Product Manager at Ramblers Walking Holidays, says: “The guest speakers are inspirational, and it’s invaluable to keep up with current travel trends.”
She comments on the exhibition: “I always look forward to visiting the British Tourism & Travel Show to meet up with suppliers I have worked with for many years and look for new suppliers to enhance our product. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with tourist boards to help with future product development.”
Productive, quality, fantastic
Over 200 group-friendly visitor attractions, hotels, venues, destinations, DMOs, tour wholesalers and ticket suppliers exhibited to showcase the very best of Britain and Ireland.
Advantage Now Sales Director Howard Dunks says it was “a great show” for the returning exhibitor. He continues: “The British Tourism & Travel Show gives our team the perfect opportunity to promote our partner hotels and catch up with friends and colleagues within the industry.
“With confirmed sales already on the books, we hope to inform our clients with an updated portfolio of partner hotels very soon.”
Other exhibitors have commented on the quality of visitors and “valuable” opportunities to reach new and existing audiences. Exhibitors and visitors had access to a meeting planner tool, which they could use to pre-book meetings before the event. Hundreds of appointments were accepted, ensuring fruitful discussions and allowing attendees to discuss the finer details essential to tour planning.
We found the British Tourism & Travel Show to be really valuable this year; we had good quality footfall to our stand and productive meetings with new and existing customers,” comments Stacy Whittington, National Account Director – Leisure at The QHotels Collection.
Ribble Valley Borough Council felt the show “delivered a quality audience in a great environment to do business,” says Tourism Officer Tom Pridmore.
Sarah Wylie, Operations Assistant at Edinburgh sightseeing cruise operator Maid of the Forth, says the show “provided us with the opportunity to showcase our attraction and generate new interest and potential new leads – fantastic. We are looking forward to 2024.”
Show organisers Diversified Communications were equally pleased with the show.
Event Manager Lloyd Jones says: “We are thrilled that this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show was another tremendous success. Visitor numbers have returned to levels not seen in the last few years, which shows domestic group travel is booming and reflects the resilience of the industry.
“We want to thank all who attended, exhibited and presented; everyone’s presence and participation made this event an unforgettable experience. We would also like to extend our thanks to our supporters and all those who helped make this event possible.
“As we wrap up another successful show, we look forward to continuing to connect, inform and empower our industry. We can’t wait to see you again next year.”
The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 20-21 March 2024. Join the mailing list to keep up with event developments.
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Media Enquiries:
Jacqui Trayford, Marketing Manager
t: +44 (0)1733 405749
Website: www.tourismshow.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tourism_show
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TourismTravelShow
Event enquiries:
Lloyd Jones, Event Manager
t: +44 (0)1733 889 684
Website: www.tourismshow.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tourism_show
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TourismTravelShow
Helen Conway, Group Event Director
Notes:
Show images (more available on request): https://www.tourismshow.co.uk/photo-gallery
Diversified Communications UK (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton, UK. Diversified UK’s portfolio includes: British Tourism & Travel Show; Coach & Bus UK; Euro Bus Expo; routeone magazine; routeone Awards; Accountex; lunch!; Casual Dining; Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards; Commercial Kitchen; Natural & Organic Products Europe; Natural and Organic Awards; Nordic Organic Food Fair & Natural Products Scandinavia in Malmö, Sweden; SITS – The Service Desk & IT Support Show; GEO Business; Ocean Business; and MARELEC Marine Electromagnetics conference. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 14 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.