The Coach Tourism Association (CTA) is inviting coach operators to attend CTA Spring Networking in Oxford on 19 and 20 May. The event will give coach operators the potential to develop business by enhancing their trip and tour programmes, and will also provide the latest digital marketing insights.

CTA’s Spring Networking event will include an expert-led, artificial intelligence (AI) marketing for tourism seminar, plus a zero-emission pathway update seminar. These sessions will take place alongside a Supplier Showcase, exclusive fam trips, plus business networking.

The UK’s leading coach tourism organisation is also encouraging attendance from industry suppliers, including hotels, attractions, and service providers. Suppliers to coach tourism operators will be able to make new business connections and present their latest offers.

“CTA’s Spring Networking has been designed with coach operator input, and securing business growth is the main objective,” says Robert Shaw, CTA Chair, and Director of coach tour operator, Harry Shaw. “The special programme of new fam trips will give operators the opportunity to add exciting product. Meanwhile, the event’s business sessions, including the AI digital marketing seminar and zero emission update, will enable operators to learn the latest insights to drive commercial opportunities.”

Based at the Holiday Inn Oxford, CTA’s Spring Networking features several fam trips including a special visit to Blenheim Palace, with travel provided by Johnsons Coaches. Event attendees will have access to the biggest exhibition in Blenheim’s history, Icons of Fashion, including famous names such as Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, and Barbour.

This year also commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, who was born at Blenheim Palace, and Spring Networking delegates can learn more about Churchill-themed events taking place. Blue Badge Guide, Roger Bailey, will also lead event attendees on an expert guided tour at the venue.

Fam trips also include a tour of The Bodleian Library, central to the academic prowess of Oxford, where delegates can learn more about the library’s heritage, such as former patrons including monarchs, Prime Ministers, and literary greats. Spring Networking also includes an optional visit to Oxford Castle and Prison, presenting a guided tour with over 1,000 years of history, as well as offering panoramic views over the city.

The event’s Supplier Showcase will give operators the opportunity to meet new suppliers, while the seminar session includes a focus on digital marketing and the potential of AI. Manu Kastia, founder of Digital Dialog, marketing experts specialising in the tourism sector, will explain how AI in marketing can be pivotal to present new product and attract more customers.

Dan Hayes from Zemo Partnership, which brings government, industry, and experts together to accelerate transport to zero emissions, will also present an update on the zero emission pathway for coaches, as well as a focus on infrastructure at tourist attractions and destinations.

To find out more about CTA Spring Networking and to book, visit this CTA website link