NEW NAME FOR BEST OF BRITAIN & IRELAND

Following the success of Best of Britain & Ireland (BoBI) 2015, Diversified Communications UK have announced some important changes to ensure the event continues to grow in importance. After extensive consultation with exhibitors and visitors alike, the name of the show has changed to The British Tourism & Travel Show, with the tag line ‘The Very Best of Britain and Ireland’.

The British Tourism & Travel Show will boast an expanded free seminar programme, with the introduction of an additional theatre for 2016. The line-up will include over 25 leading industry speakers discussing key issues, opportunities and hot topics facing the domestic tourism sector today. Commenting on the changes, David Maguire, Event Director at The British Tourism & Travel Show, says: “BoBI has a proud history serving the UK’s domestic tourism industry for over 20 years. It’s already, by far, the most important and effective business event for the sector, and following feedback, many people feel the new name more accurately reflects the strengths of the show – enabling us to reach and attract new buyers to the event.

We have lots of other new ideas, which we are working on, to make sure we create an amazing, totally unmissable two days for this important sector.” BoBI took place on the March 11-12, attracting 2,361 attendees and over 250 exhibitors. The British Tourism and Travel Show will return to the NEC Birmingham on March 16-17, 2016.

DUNKIRK AND KENT TO HOST GTOs AND OPERATORS

Steve Reed Tourism has announced a super new ‘Gateway’ event showcasing Kent and Dunkirk in France. Taking place on October 29-31, the event invites GTOs, as well as coach and tour operators, to participate in a two day/two night educational trip based at the Ramsgate Holiday Inn Express and the Ramada Encore Hotel in Chatham Dockyard. Working with DFDS Seaways, Spot Travel of Kent, RedifineBDL Hotels, Leeds Castle and Dunkirk Tourism, the event will comprise of a day of attractions in Kent and a trip over the Channel to Dunkirk, where the attendees can experience the Operation Dynamo Second World War Museum.

“We wanted to work with our partners to show that a country’s gateway and port areas also have a lot to offer for groups, that’s why we’ve arranged this exciting event,” says Steve Reed. Places are limited and anyone seeking more information or wishing to reserve places should email steve@stevereedtourism.co.uk

FRED OLSEN INVITE GTOs ON EXCLUSIVE SHIP TOURS

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is inviting group travel organisers to embark on a series of exclusive ship visits this summer, which highlight the types of vessels that are setting sail and the cruise products they offer. GTOs will be able to hop on board for a tour of either Balmoral, Braemar or Black Watch and meet the cruise lines’ specialist sales team. Tours of the vessels take place:

Monday, May 11 in Liverpool for Black Watch

Tuesday, June 2 in Dover for Braemar

Tuesday, June 9 in Southampton for Balmoral

Each tour starts at 0930hrs and runs until lunchtime.

To register for places call 01473 746169 or email group.sales@fredolsen.co.uk.

For further information visit www.fredolsencruises.com

GTW COMPETITION WINNER

In GTW’s April edition, readers were offered the chance to win tickets to the 2015 Battle Proms at Blenheim Palace on Saturday, July 11, 2015. SHEILA HOLCROFT has won the top prize of four tickets, with SHAUN DELAHAY, MARION SPENCER and CLIVE ROYLANCE receiving a pair of tickets each.

Congratulations, we hope you all enjoy your trip.