About Steve Rooney

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So far Steve Rooney has created 652 blog entries.

Legendary Scottish hospitality welcomed CTA members for Summer Networking Event

CTA members were treated to some legendary Scottish hospitality at the Summer Networking event in Glasgow. Delegates were hosted at the well-located Crowne Plaza and a series of visits and a Workshop were arranged with support from our Partner member VisitScotland along with National Trust for Scotland, Glasgow Life and local attractions. The Riverside Museum [...]

By |2022-08-01T10:24:44+00:00August 1st, 2022|CTA Event, News|Comments Off on Legendary Scottish hospitality welcomed CTA members for Summer Networking Event

New Travel Trade website for Visit Wales

Visit Wales’ new Travel Trade website is now live and is a great reference source with lots of information and links to new group products in Wales including: Newly qualified guides join WOTGA Taste of Wales’ evenings with Loving Welsh Food Woolly North Wales tours Coin, Coal and Cheers experience at 3 South Wales attractions – The [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:21:08+00:00July 5th, 2022|News, Partner|Comments Off on New Travel Trade website for Visit Wales

Valor’s Crowne Plaza to host CTA event in Glasgow

Valor Hospitality is delighted to be the hosts for the Coach Tourism Association Summer Networking Event, taking place at one of its largest properties, Crowne Plaza Glasgow, in July. Valor looks forward to welcoming CTA buyers and suppliers to Crowne Plaza Glasgow.  Valor Hospitality is an multi-award-winning hotel management company, operating a global hotel portfolio [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:18:41+00:00July 5th, 2022|Hotel, News|Comments Off on Valor’s Crowne Plaza to host CTA event in Glasgow

Dundee departures added for Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line will be offering six sailings from Dundee from April 2023 offering various voyages until June 2023. In addition, Ambassador’s latest edition to the fleet, Ambition, will set sail on her inaugural season on 4 March 2023 with capacity for 1,200 guests. Ambassador’s two ships will be sailing to six continents and 58 countries, calling [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:15:44+00:00July 5th, 2022|News|Comments Off on Dundee departures added for Ambassador Cruise Line

Special offers in Chester from Big Heritage

CTA member Big Heritage is offering half price tours for operators at Deva Roman Discovery Centre in Chester for August/October/November/December. Places may be limited, and some dates will be restricted. Discounted multi-tickets are also available for Big Heritage’s town visitor attractions in Chester city centre, Deva and Sick to Death. Email georgia@bigheritage.co.uk for booking enquiries.

By |2022-07-05T07:14:16+00:00July 5th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Special offers in Chester from Big Heritage

Bakers Dolphin supports fundraising walkers

Bakers Dolphin provided eight coaches to support Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge, which is now in its 31st year. The event involves hundreds of people walking across the Mendips to support the charity, which provides palliative care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in and around Weston-super-Mare. The challenge raises tens of thousands of pounds every year. [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:13:39+00:00July 5th, 2022|News, Operators|Comments Off on Bakers Dolphin supports fundraising walkers

Range of great tours available at Bodmin Jail

CTA member Bodmin Jail is keen to work with tour operators to grow its visitor numbers. The Bodmin Jail museum is fully accessible and there is parking about 15 minutes away (Priory Park), with visitors dropped on Berrycombe Road. It offers a range of seasonal tours on a specific theme. Forthcoming tours include; Walking with [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:10:01+00:00July 5th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Range of great tours available at Bodmin Jail

UK trade representative Gary Toshack joins Visit Brussels office in London

Gary Toshack is the new trade representative for the UK outbound leisure market for Visit Brussels Tourist Board which has recently joined CTA. “I am delighted to be taking on the exciting role of driving more UK trade awareness to Brussels, a great city break destination with many hidden gems,” says Toshack. “My approach will [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:06:57+00:00July 5th, 2022|News|Comments Off on UK trade representative Gary Toshack joins Visit Brussels office in London

Celebrate 100 years of opera with Arena di Verona Opera Festival

Earlier this year, Arena di Verona Opera Festival became a member of the CTA and is keen to encourage tour operators to celebrate the event’s centenary by putting it on their programmes for the 2023 season. For 100 years, the festival has offered an unprecedented programme with eight opera titles, four gala evenings and an extraordinary concert by the orchestra [...]

By |2022-07-05T08:12:48+00:00July 5th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Celebrate 100 years of opera with Arena di Verona Opera Festival

Tripadvisor award for The Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travellers' Choice award winner for visitor attractions. The award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from visitors around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. “We're so pleased to receive this award once again,” says David Thornton, head of marketing [...]

By |2022-07-05T07:05:17+00:00July 5th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Tripadvisor award for The Heights of Abraham

BIG HERITAGE OFFERS – Liverpool, Chester & Birkenhead

Free Fam trips and Half price first visit to Western Approaches in LIverpool, Sick to Death in Chester and Deva Roman Discovery Centre in Chester. Offer open to CTA operators. May be restrictions in Chester mid week For more details and bookings, contact: Georgia Hayes 07983489681 georgia@bigheritage.co.uk  

By |2022-08-31T08:23:41+00:00June 8th, 2022|Benefits|Comments Off on BIG HERITAGE OFFERS – Liverpool, Chester & Birkenhead

Book now for CTA summer Networking in Glasgow – 24-26 July 2022

We have a spectacular Summer Networking event planned in Glasgow including some great trips to local attractions, a civic reception and Scotland Workshop for buyers. We are very grateful to our Partner member VisitScotland who are supporting the event for operator and wholesaler members. Book via this link The event starts on Sunday afternoon (24 [...]

By |2022-07-21T12:33:04+00:00June 6th, 2022|CTA Event, News|Comments Off on Book now for CTA summer Networking in Glasgow – 24-26 July 2022

CTA members’ generosity raises £1,725 for Liverpool homeless charity

The raffle held at the Liverpool Conference in February raised an amazing total of £1,725 which was donated to a prominent local centre which supports thousands of people in the city who are experiencing homelessness. The donation was acknowledged by the centre in a letter to CTA: “On behalf of The Whitechapel Centre I would [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:46:12+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News, Uncategorized|Comments Off on CTA members’ generosity raises £1,725 for Liverpool homeless charity

Invitation to Hilton Customer Showcase

CTA operators are invited to attend the Hilton Customer Showcase at the London Hilton Park Lane on Wednesday 6 July 2022. The event will run from 12.30pm – 8.30pm, so you are able to attend at a time that suits you. Refreshments will be served throughout the day and there will be lots of hotel prizes to win [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:47:42+00:00June 6th, 2022|Hotel, News|Comments Off on Invitation to Hilton Customer Showcase

Deirdre Wells appointed to Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has appointed Deirdre Wells OBE, chief executive Go To Places, to its board of trustees. Deirdre has been Chief Executive of Go To Places, encompassing destination management organisation Visit Kent, since September 2018. Prior to this she was chief executive of UKinbound and head of tourism at the Department of [...]

By |2022-06-06T14:56:19+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Deirdre Wells appointed to Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

New groups website for Visit Hull

Visit Hull has launched a new website dedicated to tour operators and group travel organisers. The site Includes information for day visitors, visitors looking for overnight stays, and online bookable products including coach parking, inclusive packages (Shop Ahoy) and meet-and-greet services. In addition, the B2B pages provide suggested copy, image requests, press releases, and bespoke [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:44:37+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New groups website for Visit Hull

New exhibition launched at the Heights of Abraham

A major new exhibition that showcases reproductions of period costumes as worn by the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian guests between 1787 and 1910, is now open at the Heights of Abraham. Modern day visitors will be able to walk back through time and come face to face with visitors of the past, whilst learning [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:43:59+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New exhibition launched at the Heights of Abraham

Latest news from Aberdeenshire

The latest VisitAberdeenshire travel trade product update features Haddo House and Greyhope Bay - Dolphins at the Battery. Haddo House is a striking mansion house set in 80 hectares of Aberdeenshire countryside. Home to the Gordon family for over 200 years, it regularly played host to royalty and dignitaries across the centuries and later was [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:43:23+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Latest news from Aberdeenshire

Harold Wilsons’ War is Over card from John and Yoko at Liverpool Beatles Museum

The latest ‘Reveal’ event at Liverpool Beatles Museum was a special “War is Over” card from John and Yoko which was presented to the then UK prime minister Harold Wilson. The Lennons had started their peace movement during their honeymoon in March 1969, having decided to use their fame and influence to promote peace in [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:39:58+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Harold Wilsons’ War is Over card from John and Yoko at Liverpool Beatles Museum

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London launches free electric shuttle bus service

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has announced it is switching to a new zero emission electric bus service. The buses replace an existing route that operates between the Studio Tour in Leavesden and Watford Junction train station. The move to e-buses means more than 264 tonnes of CO2 a year will be saved from entering [...]

By |2022-06-06T12:39:18+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Warner Bros. Studio Tour London launches free electric shuttle bus service

Palace of Holyroodhouse opening times

The Royal Collection has confirmed that the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery, Edinburgh, will reopen on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August this year. Both the Palace and Gallery will then return to a five-day opening (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from September onwards. Click the link below for tickets. More information

By |2022-06-06T12:38:23+00:00June 6th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Palace of Holyroodhouse opening times

FREE FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO STRAWBERRY FIELD, LIVERPOOL

Strawberry Field has pleasure in offering CTA operator members a fam trip for up to two people. For CTA members who were unable to visit us at the CTA Conference in Liverpool this February, here’s an interview with Julia Baird, our Honorary President and sister of John Lennon https://issuu.com/leisuremedia/docs/am_vol_26_issue_4/10 Please contact: Ginette Goulston-Lincoln, Travel Trade Consultant [...]

By |2022-05-31T15:16:58+00:00May 31st, 2022|Benefits|Comments Off on FREE FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO STRAWBERRY FIELD, LIVERPOOL

Warm Welsh welcome for CTA Spring Networking event in Newport

Welsh tourism organisations and local authorities provided a very warm welcome to Coach Tourism Association delegates for their Spring Networking event which is likely to lead to a strong boost for tours and excursions to the area. The CTA event was sponsored by Visit Wales with strong support from Southern Wales Tourism who organised a [...]

By |2022-06-06T09:14:12+00:00May 30th, 2022|CTA Event, News, Wales|Comments Off on Warm Welsh welcome for CTA Spring Networking event in Newport

CTA coach tour operators look to maximise the potential of Southern Wales 

Welsh tourism organisations and local authorities provided a very warm welcome to Coach Tourism Association delegates for their Spring Networking event which is likely to lead to a strong boost for tours and excursions to the area. The CTA event was sponsored by Visit Wales with strong support from Southern Wales Tourism who organised a [...]

By |2022-05-27T11:25:49+00:00May 27th, 2022|Press|Comments Off on CTA coach tour operators look to maximise the potential of Southern Wales 

Platinum Jubilee arrangements in London

There may be contingency road closures in London over the Platinum Jubilee: Thursday 2 June 2022 - Trooping the Colour Due to the potential high number of attendees at the event, when the event finishes, it may be possible that the police will also close Parliament Square to assist with the egress of the crowds. [...]

By |2022-05-24T08:18:33+00:00May 24th, 2022|News|Comments Off on Platinum Jubilee arrangements in London

Newport prepares a special welcome for CTA members for the 2022 Spring Networking event

CTA delegates will enjoy a very warm welcome in Southern Wales for the 2022 Spring Networking event which is based at the brand new Mercure Newport hotel and generously sponsored by Visit Wales, supported by Tourism South Wales and Newport County Council. The event kicks off with a reception at the Riverfront Theatre from midday [...]

By |2022-05-16T08:45:26+00:00May 16th, 2022|CTA Event, News|Comments Off on Newport prepares a special welcome for CTA members for the 2022 Spring Networking event

Highlighting the Isle of Wight at CTA Fam trip

Operator and wholesaler members enjoyed the first CTA Fam trip held since the pandemic which went to the Isle of Wight. The fam trip was inspired by the success of an earlier Johnsons Coaches’ ‘VIP Experience tour’ which Barry Cobb put together with Hovertravel, in 2019 following a successful auction bid at the CTA conference [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:18:09+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, CTA Event, News|Comments Off on Highlighting the Isle of Wight at CTA Fam trip

Visit Scotland Fams and Save the Date for CTA event in Glasgow

Visit Scotland has some live familiarisation events coming up with two dates in early May and three in September. There are a couple of spaces on the May fam trips available at the moment which are based in the North of Scotland. There is information here and below on the May showcases, including dates and [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:08:52+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News, Scotland News, Scotland page|Comments Off on Visit Scotland Fams and Save the Date for CTA event in Glasgow

Old Royal Naval College relaunches Nelson Room after conservation project

The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich is relaunching the Nelson Room after a major conservation project to renovate and reinterpret this fascinating room off the Painted Hall which boasts a rich history as part of Nelson and the Old Royal Naval College’s story. The Nelson Room restoration follows the award-winning conservation of the Baroque Painted [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:01:59+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Old Royal Naval College relaunches Nelson Room after conservation project

New Three Bridges Cruise & Lunch from Forth Boat Tours

Edinburgh attraction Forth Boat Tours has introduced a new Three Bridges Cruise & Lunch ticket that is exclusive to the travel trade. Group visitors can relax onboard a 90-minute sightseeing cruise of this UNESCO World Heritage site and listen to the guided commentary on board while they enjoy a four-course buffet to include a choice [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:01:11+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New Three Bridges Cruise & Lunch from Forth Boat Tours

Walking Tours give new insight to Aberdeen

VisitAberdeenshire’s latest travel trade product update highlights Walking Tours in Aberdeen which can allow your clients to discover a different side to Aberdeen on a range of street art walking tours.Turs are led by local, expert guides who will introduce your clients to some of the city's most beautiful pieces of art. Daily scheduled tours [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:33:02+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Walking Tours give new insight to Aberdeen

Coldharbour Mill rural skills programme

CTA member Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme is continuing its Culm Valley Rural Skills Training Programme which creates opportunities for people in the community to gain new skills and will, in turn help to regenerate part of the Coldharbour Mill Estate. The scheme encourages those who are unemployed or inactive and are looking to acquire new [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:57:12+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Coldharbour Mill rural skills programme

World of James Herriot celebrates 10 years as private sector tourism business

Award-winning attraction, World of James Herriot in Thirsk celebrated its 10th anniversary as a private business in April. Ian Ashton, managing director of the attraction said: “It’s been a fantastic ten years developing the World of James Herriot into a world-class visitor attraction that welcomes people from all over the world. And it is all [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:56:26+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on World of James Herriot celebrates 10 years as private sector tourism business

Chester attraction deal from new CTA member Big Heritage

New CTA member Big Heritage is offering a discounted ticket for members for its Chester city centre attractions. The new Deva Roman Discovery Centre is an interactive, fully refurbished attraction behind The Rows on Bridge St which opens on 23 July this year. Big Heritage’s other attraction in the city is Sick to Death - a [...]

By |2022-04-28T12:10:45+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Chester attraction deal from new CTA member Big Heritage

New exhibition to commemorate Falklands conflict at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Everything Changed: new photographic exhibition to commemorate the Falklands conflict, 40 years on. A new exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the outbreak of the Falklands War has opened at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Falklands 40: Everything Changed  is a new exhibition by photographer and journalist Graham Bound which showcases a unique photographic journey [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:55:38+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New exhibition to commemorate Falklands conflict at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Live actors bring story of Heights of Abraham to life

Visitors to the Heights of Abraham this spring are invited to hold a conversation with the past, as live actors, depicting characters from the estate’s 233-year history have been added to the summit team until Jubilee weekend (4 June). Former Victorian owner of the Heights Benjamin Bryan explains: “In my day, visitors had to climb [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:54:51+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Live actors bring story of Heights of Abraham to life

Dramatic Transformation for Clifford’s Tower in York 

A newly-completed £5million conservation project has seen the installation of a protective free-standing timber structure at Clifford’s Tower in York, one of English Heritage’s iconic landmarks which now provides stunning views across the York skyline from a new ring-shaped roof deck that partially covers the 800-year-old ruin. English Heritage has added dramatic aerial walkways and [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:52:03+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Dramatic Transformation for Clifford’s Tower in York 

Reopening of RCT properties in 2022

The Royal Collection Trust’s latest group update includes details of the reopening of The Royal Mews which is home to the royal collection of historic coaches, carriages and The Queen's horses. The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace is open from 19 May - 2 October. One of the finest working stables in existence, it offers a [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:50:21+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Reopening of RCT properties in 2022

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

A new member of CTA, Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, brings history to life with a blockbuster open-air performance at 11 Arches Park, County Durham. Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we see young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration, and [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:48:44+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Exclusive group tickets for Pretty Woman from Group Line

Group Line is exclusively offering tickets for Pretty Woman: The Musical through to 2 April 2023. Pretty Woman: The Musical in the West End gives visitors the chance to experience one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time live on stage at its glamorous new home - the Savoy Theatre. Get ready to fall [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:48:24+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News, Theatre|Comments Off on Exclusive group tickets for Pretty Woman from Group Line

Castle Howard looks forward to another great season

Castle Howard promises another exciting season with an annual events programme that includes the likes of Duran Duran, The Chemical Brothers, and an iconic Proms weekend in August. The Estate will also host a range of added-value events for visitors, including the annual Festival of Dogs in May, Jubilee celebrations and new exhibitions. More than [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:48:07+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Castle Howard looks forward to another great season

Welcoming groups back to Waddesdon

Group bookings are now open for 2022 at Waddesdon which offer a chance to find a little bit of France in the Chilterns with a beautiful French-style châteaux and tranquil landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore beautiful floral displays, see rare birds in the aviary and step inside the Manor to discover the Rothschild's extensive art [...]

By |2022-04-28T11:47:51+00:00April 28th, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on Welcoming groups back to Waddesdon

Book now for CTA Spring Networking event 2022 in Southern Wales

CTA’s Spring Networking event will take place in Southern Wales on 22-23 May. We will be based at the brand new Mercure Newport Hotel and the event includes a half-day Fam trip on Sunday with our AGM and a showcase and seminar on Monday morning. The half-day familiarisation visit around Southern Wales will be a [...]

By |2022-05-18T06:59:18+00:00April 5th, 2022|CTA Event, Events, News|Comments Off on Book now for CTA Spring Networking event 2022 in Southern Wales

FREE FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO PENDERYN DISTILLERY

The home of Penderyn Distillery is based on the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, where we started distilling in 2000, which made us the first distillery in Wales for over 100 years. And, in May 2021 we opened the doors to our second distillery and visitor centre in Llandudno, North Wales.   To discover what [...]

By |2022-04-04T07:39:11+00:00April 4th, 2022|Benefits|Comments Off on FREE FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO PENDERYN DISTILLERY

Isle of Wight Experience CTA Fam 25-27 March

An Isle of Wight Experience Fam trip for CTA operators and wholesalers will take place on Fri 25 to Sun 27 March. It includes visits to a range of attractions that could form the basis of some great coach tours of the island. Please book now via this link. The Fam is hosted by Hovertravel, [...]

By |2022-03-22T11:59:59+00:00March 7th, 2022|Events, News|Comments Off on Isle of Wight Experience CTA Fam 25-27 March

CTA members enjoy successful return of first in-person event for two years

A record attendance at this year’s CTA Workshop & Conference in Liverpool signalled a strong desire by CTA members to get back to business at our first in-person event for two years. The final tally of delegates for the event, which was generously sponsored by CTA Partner member Tourism Ireland, reached 200 with new registrations [...]

By |2022-02-23T11:52:22+00:00February 22nd, 2022|CTA Event, Events, News|Comments Off on CTA members enjoy successful return of first in-person event for two years

News update from Visit Wales

2022 is set to be an exciting year and a great time to visit Wales. There are lots of new and exciting products for visitors to experience. As well as The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will also be celebrating its 70th anniversary. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the [...]

By |2022-02-22T12:26:40+00:00February 22nd, 2022|Attractions, News, Partner|Comments Off on News update from Visit Wales

Duty Free coach trips with DFDS

Coach trips to France with DFDS have just got even better. Not only are there great benefits for drivers and discounts for groups, now there is the added bonus of Duty Free shopping onboard and at the ports.  Shop Duty Free onboard DFDS’s ferries to France and save up to 50 per cent compared to [...]

By |2022-02-22T12:22:21+00:00February 22nd, 2022|Ferry, News, Partner|Comments Off on Duty Free coach trips with DFDS

New offers for coach groups at Silverstone

Silverstone is inviting coach operators to attend for a free visit to see the museum. New caterers are now in place and an enhanced catering offering is being developed for groups. Silverstone is also able to offer coach operators the chance to enhance their visit with a guided perimeter road tour of the Silverstone Circuit [...]

By |2022-02-22T17:48:22+00:00February 22nd, 2022|Attractions, News|Comments Off on New offers for coach groups at Silverstone
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