Blenheim Palace has won Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the annual Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2024-2025, with Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries taking silver. The Blenheim team is pictured with their award, and in 2025, Blenheim Palace is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary since opening to the public. This year, [...]
Coastal Cruises Poole is welcoming coach groups in 2025 for trips around Poole Harbour and The Jurassic Coast. Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour, and The Jurassic Coastline, boast exceptional scenery and interesting history. Coastal Cruises Poole is well located to provide groups with a variety of maritime trips around the stunning seascape of the [...]
New Forest Collection Hotels has joined the CTA, offering members a choice of four hotels situated in charming destinations in the New Forest. For an historic and characterful stay, properties include Burley Manor and Bartley Lodge, providing beautiful architecture and scenery with excellent dining on site. Sumptuous accommodation also includes the option of rooms with [...]
A programme of new hotel openings combined with exhibitions and anniversaries is set to make 2025 a great year for groups to discover NewcastleGateshead and the North East region. Gotham Hotel Newcastle is a new, luxury 5-star property opening in Spring 2025. Combining a former fire station and police station, the hotel will offer 60 [...]
Blackpool has released an 88-page guide showcasing what the resort has to offer in the year ahead, including events for 2025, classic attractions, plus an index of accommodation. The guide, which can be accessed here, is released hot on the heels of CTA Winter Networking held in Blackpool in November, which presented a variety of [...]
This is a final call for bookings for the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 taking place 9-11 February 2025 in Stratford-upon-Avon. The final deadline for registration to take part in the Workshop on the Monday morning of the event is 23 December 2024 – don’t miss out – book now! If you book after that [...]
The Government of Jersey has appointed DFDS to operate UK and French passenger and freight ferry services from 28 March 2025. The 2025 timetable of services will be published this month with DFDS operating ferries to Jersey from Poole, Portsmouth, and St. Malo. For coach operators, DFDS will transport foot passengers to the island. The [...]
Based at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool from 23-25 November, CTA Winter Networking generated new business for members alongside special fam trips to develop product. “Strong attendance from operators and wholesalers has driven excellent participation from high-quality suppliers,” said CTA Chair, Robert Shaw. “CTA Operators were delighted with the opportunities to create new trips and tours. [...]
CTA operator members had a successful event at the recent routeone Awards 2024 with Skills Holidays, Maynes Coaches, and Edwards Coaches taking prizes. Maynes Coaches won the award for Outstanding Customer Experience, with the prize sponsored by Arthur Spriggs Busworld Tewkesbury, as well as Best Use of Technology – Coach Operator, partnered by JMW Solicitors. [...]
CTA member CN Live Productions specialises in theatre productions and live events that feature the best West End talent alongside local performers. Managed by father and son duo, Nicholas and Colin Duncan, you may have seen CN Live production’s West End Seasons at CTA’s recent Winter Networking event in Blackpool. To rapturous applause, the West [...]
Swarovski Kristallwelten, or Crystal World, in Austria is home to the famous crystal maker, and Christmas time is an ideal occasion to take groups to enjoy the displays and lights. Based in Wattens near Innsbruck, Winter Wonderland transforms Swarovski Kristallwelten's garden into a fairy tale-inspired, illuminated winter experience. Swarovski crystal and Christmas are closely linked [...]
Tourism Ireland is promoting a variety of Christmas-themed events across the island of Ireland that can form key moments in a festive tour for coach groups of all ages. Yulefest in Kilkenny presents festive movies alongside glittering lights and medieval charm. Featuring music acts and a panto – it’s Snow White this year -Graiguenamanagh’s Christmas [...]
Hotel management company Valor Hospitality has announced the opening of three new UK hotels in early 2025, suitable for coach tour groups. The new-build voco Zeal Exeter opens in February 2025 and will be IHG’s first net-zero carbon hotel. The voco Zeal features 142 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar showcasing local produce, a mini gym, [...]
‘Next Stop Durham’ is a new marketing campaign from Visit County Durham aiming to engage with travellers who may have passed through the county but not taken the time to stop and explore. The campaign runs until spring 2025 and will include advertising on the London Underground and train stations on the east coast network. [...]
Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire is a new CTA member for 2025 and is home to a working collection of aircraft and vehicles, plus almost 60 acres of estate to explore, including gardens and a Woodland Walk. Cared for by engineers, Shuttleworth features a working collection of airworthy vintage aircraft, agricultural and steam exhibits, veteran vehicles, carriages, [...]
The Liverpool Beatles Museum has unveiled a new exhibit, offering fans a glimpse into two pivotal moments in the Fab Four’s journey to stardom. The exhibit features backstage furniture from Hulme Hall in Birkenhead, a venue steeped in Beatles history. The new exhibits are linked to The Beatles’ milestones including Ringo Starr’s first performance with [...]
New CTA member Group Travel Brokers, an independent wholesaler, has strengthened its line-up to the coach tourism market with the arrival of well-known industry experts Lucy Osborne and Stephanie Greenwood. Lucy and Stephanie have extensive travel experience working for some of the UK's biggest coach tour operators. The duo’s expertise further enables Group Travel Brokers [...]
A new winter lights trail has now opened at The Heights of Abraham with illuminations creating a spectacular scene at the Matlock Bath cable car attraction. Opening on 22 November through to 30 December (excluding 24-26 December), cable cars travel to the summit of the heights from 4.30pm until 9pm. The Lights of Abraham route [...]
Hovertravel, providing year-round crossings between the mainland and the Isle of Wight, as well as hovercraft tours, has announced the addition of French and German translation services for group bookings across its wide range of offerings. The new translation services apply to Hovertravel’s group travel between the Isle of Wight and Southsea, as well as [...]
Over 100 members have already booked to attend the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025, and coach operator members should book now to secure the last remaining rooms available for the pre-night hotel fam. Book here! The Conference & Workshop is taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, Sunday 9 to Tuesday 11 February 2025, with an FOC stay [...]
CTA received record numbers for the CTA Networking event at WTM at the The Fox pub at ExCel, Tuesday 5 November on the opening morning of World Travel Market. The event produced many useful conversations with a wide span of members including operators, wholesalers, and suppliers. Many thanks to our sponsor, CroisiEurope, and to all [...]
Bookings have now been finalised for CTA Winter Networking in Blackpool, Saturday 23 to Monday 25 November, with over 160 members booked to attend. Taking place at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, the weekend includes fam trips to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, as well as visits to Merlin Entertainment’s Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Blackpool Aquarium, and High [...]
Leger Shearings Group’s CEO Liam Race, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Oldfield and Chief Product Officer Chris Plummer have become majority shareholders in the company. The trio originally acquired a 30 per cent stake in a management buyout of Leger Holidays in 2019. Ian Henry, who led the company for over 30 years, and Kathleen Henry, [...]
European river cruise operator CroisiEurope has opened bookings for its 2026 river cruise season, offering more than 170 itineraries on 55 ships across 39 waterways in 37 countries. The 2026 programme includes traditional routes on renowned rivers like the Rhine, Seine, Danube, and Douro. Groups seeking less-travelled waterways can also explore rivers such as the [...]
Hospitality Line has announced a lineup of New Year's Eve cruises to welcome in 2025. Tickets are now available for an evening combining dining at a choice of restaurants with London’s fireworks display on a sightseeing cruise along the Thames. Guests will be served a three-course festive dinner, and the fireworks cruise includes a welcome [...]
Hever Castle in Kent has announced the world premiere of Anne Boleyn: The Musical, debuting in the grounds of the iconic castle where Anne Boleyn spent her childhood. The production will run from 2 – 30 August 2025 in a specially constructed outdoor auditorium, offering a performance against the historic backdrop of Hever Castle. Anne [...]
The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire has won a Gold accolade for excellence by VisitEngland in recognition of an outstanding visitor experience. The attraction is a country park set in 60 acres of woodland, reached by cable car over a deep limestone gorge in the Peak District. Feedback from VisitEngland said: “The team [...]
Set along Sidmouth’s picturesque seafront, the Bedford Hotel hosts 40 ensuite rooms, including a mix of twin, double and single rooms, that blend Regency-era charm with modern amenities. Family-owned and operated, the Bedford Hotel provides a relaxed base to explore the natural beauty of Devon’s Jurassic Coast and the vibrant offerings of Sidmouth itself. The [...]
Hovertravel has announced the launch of its 2025 calendar of Hover Days, offering day trips for island residents. Hover Days include a hovercraft journey across the Solent and a coach transfer from its Southsea terminal. Building on the success of the past two years, Hover Days 2025 features a diverse selection of trips, with destinations [...]
Visit Durham is highlighting a range of coach-friendly hotels in the city to suit a range of budgets and interests. For city centre accommodation with riverside views, the RadissonBlu Durham features a newly refurbished bar and restaurant. Meanwhile, the Delta by Marriott Hotel Royal Count features coach drop off and pick up point outside the [...]
Blenheim Palace has announced new visitor experiences for 2025 which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date. The historic roof project is a restoration that aims to preserve the architecture and safeguard the heritage of Blenheim Palace for generations to come. Alongside [...]
The Bishop Auckland attraction The Auckland Project has won a VisitEngland Gold award following a Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. The Auckland Project includes Auckland Palace and its Walled Gardens, Auckland Tower, the Faith Museum, the Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery. VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades are available to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction [...]
The Royal Collection Trust has released its Group Visit & Private Tours 2025 brochure, providing tour operators with everything they need to know to plan a visit. The brochure includes details on booking a group visit to the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, as well as private guided tours of Windsor Castle and the Palace [...]
The CTA Conference & Workshop 2025, Stratford-upon-Avon, Saturday 8 to Tuesday 11 February 2025, is already proving popular with more than 60 taking advantage of the Early Bird rates so far – please book early as the Early Bird is only available until 31 October. With DFDS as Gold Sponsor and Trust My Travel as [...]
Jason Edwards, Managing Director of coach operator Jason Edwards Travel, and Paul Harper, Commercial Director at coach and hotel operator Daish’s Group, have joined the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) board of directors. Jason Edwards launched Jason Edwards Travel early last year, establishing a 19-strong coach fleet with bases in Heathrow and Pontypridd to provide coach [...]
CTA is inviting members to its World Travel Market networking event on the opening morning of the exhibition, Tuesday 5 November, 9am-11am, in the main bar area of The Fox pub at Excel. There is no need to pre-book for the CTA event, however members are reminded that pre-registration to WTM is required with no [...]
Registration has opened for VisitScotland Connect 2025, Scotland’s premier travel trade event, taking place on 9 and 10 April at P&J Live, Aberdeen. Travel trade buyers, suppliers, as well as destination management organisations and local authorities, are invited to attend and register via this link. The event presents tourism buyers from around the globe with [...]
Maria Fullana-Arenas has joined Accor as the new UK-based Leisure Sales Manager and will be the main point of contact for CTA members. Working in the hotel sector for nearly 10 years, Maria takes on her role following more than two years as Leisure Sales Manager at Novotel London West. Maria’s remit as Account Manager [...]
A new walking tour has been launched in Conwy with availability for groups of up to 50 people. Conwy Guided Tours is a new company focused on the Conwy UNESCO World Heritage Site, with highlights including the town walls and properties owned by Cadw and the National Trust. Walks are led by James Reeve who [...]
New CTA member TourAxis enables travel operators to book customisable group tours online to destinations around the world, as well as providing guided coach tours in the UK and around the world. Under the company’s Group Tour Shop brand, this service allows travel operators to select from pre-designed tour templates, where operators choose from a [...]
Booking for Matilda the Musical is now open until May 2026 with travel trade rates available. Presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and taking place at London’s Cambridge Theatre, Matilda the Musical is inspired by Roald Dahl’s book. The production is based on the story of an extraordinary young girl with telekinetic powers, ignored [...]
A new exhibition presenting drawings by artists including da Vinci and Michelangelo will be on display at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from 1 November until 9 March 2025. Drawing the Italian Renaissance will present around 160 works by over 80 artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian, alongside lesser-known artists. The [...]
Mersey Ferries has launched its 2025 Cruise Programme, featuring cruises for groups ranging from a 50-minute sightseeing tour, to a half- or full-day cruise. Starting with River Explorer Cruises, these 50-minute trips are a great way for visitors to the city to view the skyline and landmarks from the deck of the Mersey Ferry, along [...]
New CTA member Waterside Hotels is an established hotel group based in Blackpool, providing luxury accommodation, dining, and entertainment at two hotel locations across the Fylde Coast. Both the Park House Hotel and Doric Hotel feature 103 en-suite bedrooms that have recently benefitted from an extensive refurbishment. The Doric Hotel is situated on Queen’s [...]
The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, one of the world’s most contemporary gardens, is a new CTA member keen to attract coach groups. The venue is also home to Lilidorei at Alnwick Garden, an enchanted children’s play world. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001, The Alnwick Garden is a modern display combining sculpture, water [...]
Artisan gin and rum producer, Shakespeare Distillery based in Stratford-upon-Avon, is offering CTA members a special winter commission for visiting groups. Applicable at both the distillery and its Stratford town centre location, Judith’s Tasting Rooms, from 1 January to 31 March 2025, Shakespeare Distillery is offering improved rates. For Distillery Tours & Tastings running Wednesday [...]
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall in Stratford-upon-Avon is offering CTA members special group rates from 31 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. At the attraction, groups can explore the room where William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s for his years in education, while the authentic experience for all ages brings to life a fascinating chapter in [...]
Stena Line and Euromast have combined to provide operators and wholesalers with a new trip experience to Rotterdam, promoted by b2b travel sales representatives, Worldwide Attractions. Stena Line provides ferries connecting Harwich to Hoek van Holland with special group rates available for bookings of 10 or more. The lowest fares are offered during off-peak months, [...]
Shaun Read is managing director of Ashley & Newey. Following nearly 7 years with Ashley & Newey, initially serving as the Tour Development Manager, Shaun then advanced to the role of Business & Operations Manager in 2022. His keen interest in the industry led to his appointment to the CTA board in 2023, followed soon [...]
Emma has been Managing Director at Alfa Travel for nearly four years following promotion from her previous role as Group Finance Director. Emma began her tourism experience as Finance Manager at Pontins in 2005 before moving to the coach holiday operator in 2007. Bringing her extensive business experience in support of coach tourism industry, Emma [...]
