Journalist and Countryfile presenter John Craven OBE has been confirmed to host a headline keynote session at the British Tourism & Travel Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March 2018.

One of the BBC's longest standing TV presenters, John Craven is perhaps best known for John Craven’s Newsround, which established him as a household name spanning two generations.  He now enjoys a high-profile role as presenter of BBC1's Countryfile, having spent nearly 30 years with the show.

Other presenting roles have included BBC2's Country Tracks, Castle in the Country, and Britain's Heritage Heroes – a 15-part series which explored how parts of the UK's heritage are at risk of disappearing, and celebrating the individuals who work tirelessly to save it.  An advocate of rural England, Craven will share his insight and extensive knowledge of the UK countryside in his Keynote session at the show – taking place on Thursday 22 March at 1pm.

Exclusive industry experts

Other speakers to join the line-up include Google’s industry head of travel, Ruairidh Roberts, who’ll be sharing his key digital marketing strategies for travel professionals, on 21 March.   On the second day of the show, Andy Headington, CEO of digital marketing agency Adido, will be exploring how to grow and thrive as a tourism business during turbulent times, using real world insight and industry research.

Max Sinclair, founder of Ecocompanion, will be discussing how the company helps people find the ‘perfect sustainable holiday in nature’. Sinclair will touch on the various forms of sustainable nature tourism, including volunteering projects, nature tours, and eco-accommodation, and the growing opportunities within volunteer tourism.

For more information about the Keynote programme, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk/education.

Free trade registration

The British Tourism & Travel Show, firmly established as the domestic tourism showcase of the year for the UK and Ireland’s travel trade, will feature over 250 leading visitor attractions, venues, destinations, hotels, transport providers, associations and DMOs.  The show annually attracts over 2,600 attendees – including some of the UK and Ireland’s biggest domestic tour operators, coach operators, travel organisers and agents across the country.

“A well planned and organised show with quality contacts,” says Les Barber, director at Visit By Coach.

“The show is great place to connect with UK tourism organisations, to discuss future possibilities to increase our programme for both domestic and inbound travellers,” says Christian Locke, head of product, at Headwater Holidays.  ­­

“An excellent show with a good variety of exhibitors; we were able to get some great ideas for planning our 2018 programme of day visits.  The ease of getting around, plus the enthusiasm of the exhibitors was particularly helpful,” says Douglas Spencer, group tours organiser at Matlock Travel Society.

The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March 2018.  For further information and to register, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk. (https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/BTTS2018.aspx?TrackingCode=BTTSPR