Get set to discover everything you need to plan your next group excursion. The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 20-21 March. Showcasing a broad spectrum of group friendly attractions, destinations and accommodation providers, and with an impressive keynote programme, it is a must-attend for anyone planning group trips and tours.

This major travel trade event is designed to showcase the very best group travel opportunities in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Over 200 exhibitors, including more than 60 exhibiting for the first time, will provide plenty of ideas for unique tours and excursions to inspire group holidays, day trips and excursions.

There are 84 attractions to discover, including historic properties and heritage sites, beautiful gardens, museums, boat cruises, rail tours, restaurants, distilleries, vineyards, food tours, adventure challenges, safaris, performing arts and more.

If you plan overnight stays, you will be spoilt for choice with 73 group friendly hoteliers, including boutique independents, plus local and multinational chains representing hundreds of venues.

41 diverse destinations can be explored, from off-the-beaten track idyllic villages, through towns, counties and countries. If you’re in the business of planning international tours, exhibiting teams from France, India, Netherlands, Somalia, Spain, South Africa, and Uzbekistan will be keen to showcase their destinations to you.

In addition to igniting itinerary inspiration, the show’s free keynote programme, sponsored by the Home Office, will keep attendees well-informed about crucial changes in the travel landscape, and about emerging trends that present new opportunities.

New Keynote Announcements

Paul Howarth, the Home Office’s Head of Engagement, Future Border and Immigration Systems (FBIS) Programme, joins the keynote line up. He will bring attendees up to speed on how UK travel requirements are changing. In his presentation, Paul will guide attendees through the UK’s introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), who it applies to, and what it means for tourist and business visitors to the UK.

VisitEngland will also be joining the keynote lineup. It’s business Support Project Manager, Vicky Parr, will be joined by Jon Chamberlain from Visit West (Bath & Bristol), Sally Graff from Cotswold Tourism, and Stella Birks from Visit Derby.

Attendees will hear the latest research on the volume and value of tourism in England, stemming from VisitEngland’s English Tourism Week (15-24 March 2024) campaign. They will also be introduced to representatives from newly created Local Visitor Economy Partnerships, and will hear from panellists about the exciting visitor opportunities in Bristol, Bath, The Cotswolds, Derby and Plymouth.

The Blue Badge Guides are set to deliver insightful talks over the two days. They are leaders in the tourist guide sector, providing unparalleled expertise. Their rigorous training, continuous professional development, internationally recognised qualifications, and diverse language capabilities make them cultural and social historians. They breathe life into destinations through engaging stories, anecdotes, and facts, elevating the overall group tour experience.

Guides including Verity Tiff, Paul Beesley, Neil McDonald, Ildi Pelikan, Roger Bailey and Alexander Jacobs will draw on their in-depth local knowledge to unveil hidden gems, cultural nuances, and historical context across a variety of destinations across the UK. These talks will help visitors to plan immersive, educational and unforgettable tours and excursions.

More Keynotes to Inform and Inspire

Further keynotes include Alexander Göransson, Senior Consultant at Euromonitor International, who will provide valuable insights into traveller trends and types. Anthony Rawlins, CEO of Navigate, will share tourism marketing trends, advice, and tactics to drive growth for tourism brands. Prominent coach tour operators will share their expertise on changing customer expectations. AGTO members will explore changing expectations in group travel. Visitors will also hear from Coach Tourism Association members on the value of B2B networking through trade association membership.

Free Registration

Attend the British Tourism & Travel Show for an unparalleled opportunity to gain inspiration, valuable insights, and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving travel landscape. Don't miss the chance to connect with industry experts, discover exciting destinations, and stay ahead in the world of group travel planning. For more information and to register for a free trade ticket, visit www.tourismshow.co.uk