Over 200 exhibitors will transform NEC Birmingham into a travel industry spectacle this week, on 19-20 March. This two-day event brings the UK’s best destinations, attractions, and hotels together, offering group travel professionals a comprehensive showcase of regional travel experiences and group travel options across the British Isles.
Star entertainment and interactive experiences
As would be expected for a show focused on group travel, there will be plenty of entertainment alongside business opportunities.
Viva Blackpool’s Leye D Johns and the glamorous Viva Showgirls will be roaming the show, adding a touch of showbiz sparkle and highlighting how they can enhance group travel programmes. Meanwhile, The Regency Experience will offer visitors the chance to step back in time and try on authentic Regency-era costumes in celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.
For a light-hearted nod to the UK’s beloved seaside destinations, the BTTS Beach invites visitors to snap a selfie against a coastal backdrop and enjoy some Burton’s Fish ‘N’ Chips Salt & Vinegar Snacks.
Visitors can also sample craft ales and treats that could be incorporated into group tours, including Daniel Thwaites Hotels & Spas’ (Stand C46) Lancashire-brewed Paradise No3, Ribble Valley’s (stand A3) award-winning Bowland Beer, and Visit Wales’ (stand E21) Fabulous Welsh Cakes.
Discover Regional Travel Experiences Across the UK
With a diverse range of exhibitors from every corner of the UK, the British Tourism & Travel Show offers an excellent opportunity to uncover destinations and attractions tailored for groups. From island cruises in the Hebrides to Cornwall’s rich heritage and culture, visitors can meet exhibitors and gather regional travel experiences and ideas for their next group tours.
Regional highlights:
East of England
The East of England offers coastal charm, historic towns, and rural splendour. Along the coast, historic Harwich provides a fascinating glimpse into England’s naval heritage. Visitors can meet the team from Harwich Harbour Tours (stand D20) to plan scenic river tours through the River Stour and Orwell. Inland, the region boasts magnificent stately homes such as Holkham Hall (stand B42) in Norfolk, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece, and The Little Hall Lavenham (stand B42) a 14th-century house, offering a glimpse into medieval England.
East Midlands
The East Midlands provides a quintessentially British mix of countryside, historic market towns, and grand estates. Visit Northamptonshire (stand B29) offers a mix of motorsport heritage at Silverstone Circuit alongside historic country houses, while South Kesteven (stand D14) in Lincolnshire provides opportunities to explore the Georgian town of Stamford (often used as a filming location) and attractions such as Burghley House and Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton.
Ireland
A bucket-list destination for visitors worldwide, Ireland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. Tourism Ireland (stand B20) will be highlighting group travel opportunities along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, and the Giant’s Causeway. White’s Tours (stand B22) will be showcasing their tailor-made group tours across Ireland, while Irish Ferries UK Ltd (stand B30) will offer information on its award-winning ferry routes.
North East England
The North East blends dramatic landscapes with rich industrial heritage and cultural experiences. Visitors can meet Tees Valley and Durham (stand A10) representatives to learn about a nine-month programme of special events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Further exhibitors from the region include The Auckland Project (stand D2), showcasing Auckland Castle and the Faith Museum, and Kynren – An Epic Tale of England (stand D2), a live-action show bringing 2,000 years of history to life with a breathtaking show of fire, magic, and drama.
North West England
North West England offers a mix of cultural, coastal and countryside experiences. Visitors can find out about Blackpool’s (stand D28) entertainment scene, the landscapes of the Lake District & Cumbria (stand A4), and historic sites in Lancaster & Morcambe Bay (stand A6) and Ribble Valley (stand A3). Also exhibiting from the region are:
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- East Lancashire Railway (stand A19): A scenic heritage stream railway through Lancashire’s charming countryside .
- Southport Flower Show (stand A6): The UK’s largest independent flower show, taking place in August 2025.
- Liverpool FC Stadium Tour & Experiences (stand A6): Offering behind the scenes access at Anfield, including including the players’ tunnel and the home team dressing room.
- Western Approaches (stand A6): A WW2 secret bunker hidden beneath the streets of Liverpool.
- East Lancashire Railway (stand A19): A scenic heritage stream railway through Lancashire’s charming countryside .
Scotland
Scotland captivates with breathtaking Highlands, mystical islands, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can meet exhibitors such as Hebridean Island Cruises (stand E14), Dolphin Spirit Inverness (stand F5), Nevis Range (stand F2) to learn about scenic boat trips, dolphin spotting, and Highland adventure tours in the mountain landscapes.
South East England
South East England combines historic splendour with natural beauty. Visitors can meet White Cliffs Country (stand D23) to learn about Kent’s Heritage Coast with its ancient castles, Roman ruins, scenic boat trips, and stunning coastal walks. Further exhibitors from the region include:
- Blenheim Palace (stand A9): A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering year-round events.
- Bodleian Libraries (stand A9): Offering unique behind-the-scenes tours.
- Brooklands Museum (stand C37): The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the original 1907 racing circuit and vintage aircraft collections.
- Didcot Railway Centre (stand D52): A 24-acre living museum bringing the golden age of the Great Western Railway to life with an extensive collection of locomotives.
South West England
The South West offers dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches, rolling countryside, ancient monuments, and vibrant cities. Visitors can meet representatives from Cornwall (stand D13), Destination Plymouth (stand B41), Dorset (stand E49), Somerset & Exmoor (stands F21/F24) and Visit West (stand B8) to find out what they can offer groups. Exhibiting attractions include:
- Eden Project (stand E9): Home to world-famous biomes and tropical rainforests.
- Longleat (stand B17): Famous for its drive-through safari, wildlife encounters, and stately home.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan (stand E9): A breathtaking 200-acre garden restoration project.
- Devon’s Top Attractions (stand B53/B54): Representing Buckfast Abbey, Clovelly, Kents Cavern, Pecorama, Powderham Castle, Seaton Tramway, South Devon Railway, and Stuart Line Cruises.
Wales
With its dramatic landscapes, beaches, rich Celtic heritage, distinctive culture, and rugged beauty, Wales is a must-include destination for any UK group tour. Visitors can meet the teams from Visit Wales (stand E21), North Wales (stand E27), and Pembrokeshire (stand E22) to learn about the country’s 600+ castles, national parks, coastal scenery, and outdoor adventures. Exhibitors also include:
- Cadw (stand E23): highlighting castles such as Caernarfon and Harlech
- Royal Mint Experience (stand E25): An interactive journey through British coin-making history
- Vale of Rheidol & Brecon Mountain Railways (stand E29): Historic steam train routes through the Welsh countryside.countryside
Yorkshire and the West Midlands
The heart of England beckons with its industrial heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. Visitors can meet the team from Yorkshire and the surrounding regions, including Calderdale, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, Visit North Yorkshire, York and Sheffield (stand B14) to discover their group-friendly offerings. Also exhibiting from the region are:
- West Midlands Safari Park (stand B16): A drive-through safari featuring over 100 species, plus animatronic dinosaurs and a family-friendly theme park.
- City Cruises (stand C39): Sightseeing and dining cruises on York’s River Ouse (and London’s River Thames).
Accommodation Providers
The show also brings together a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels to national and international brands. Visitors can meet representatives from BWH Hotels Great Britain, Castle Collection, Grant Arms Hotel, Hilton, Leisureplex Hotels, Strathmore Hotel, The Royal Victoria Hotel, and more. These providers offer everything from luxury city-centre stays to charming countryside retreats, with many featuring exclusive group rates tailored specifically for travel organisers.
Expert Insights in the Keynote Theatre
Beyond discovering new attractions and destinations, visitors can also attend free seminar sessions at the Keynote Theatre. Industry experts will share practical advice on group travel best practices, growing coach holiday sales, and itinerary planning, alongside insights into sustainability, accessibility, marketing, and AI.
The full programme of talks is available at www.tourismshow.co.uk/keynote-theatre/2025-programme.