In memory of The Queen: 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022

On behalf of members of The Coach Tourism Association we would like to express our deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty The Queen who passed away at the age of 96.  Most of us will only have known The Queen as monarch, and her 70-year reign was marked by an extraordinary devotion to [...]

In memory of The Queen: 21 April 1926 – 8 September 20222022-09-09T09:49:20+00:00

CTA Winter Networking – 20-21 November 2022

BOOKING DETAILS HERE Our next CTA Networking event takes place in Bournemouth on 20-21 November hosted by the Marsham Court Hotel. It promises to be another great event with a fabulous Fam trip on Sunday afternoon (20 November) which includes lunch at Henning’s and a Christmas Harbour Cruise with City Cruises followed by a visit [...]

CTA Winter Networking – 20-21 November 20222022-09-28T10:07:45+00:00

Save the date: CTA Fam trip to Arras/Lens with DFDS and Hauts de France 11-13 December 2022

CTA Operator and Wholesaler members are invited to Save the Date for a great Fam trip on 11-13 December which will travel via DFDS to France and enjoy visits to Arras Christmas market and Louvre Lens museum.  Full details and booking link to follow

Save the date: CTA Fam trip to Arras/Lens with DFDS and Hauts de France 11-13 December 20222022-09-08T12:52:31+00:00

Herts, Camera, Action! – Save the Date for Fam trip

Visit Herts is inviting CTA operator and wholesaler members to Save the Date for a Fam trip on Sunday 23 October showcasing the incredible variety of film experiences Hertfordshire has to offer.  The county has been gracing the silver screen for many years, providing locations for some of the most recognisable scenes from cinematic history, but [...]

Herts, Camera, Action! – Save the Date for Fam trip2022-09-08T12:41:49+00:00

Lunch and dinner shows at Yeadon Town Hall Theatre

New CTA member Yeadon Town Hall Theatre offers a fabulous dinner-show experience. From the moment you step into our theatre, your group is guaranteed a wonderful afternoon, or evening of excellent food and drink complimented with top quality entertainment from one of our many theatre shows presented throughout the year. The dinner shows all revolve around [...]

Lunch and dinner shows at Yeadon Town Hall Theatre2022-09-08T12:24:11+00:00

Coach groups are made very welcome at Amberley Museum

Located in the picturesque South Downs, a few miles from Arundel, West Sussex, Amberley Museum is perfect for regional and national coach tours near the south coast. It is keen to welcome coach groups and has recently joined CTA as a new member.  The Museum is suitable for stand-alone visits and tours taking in Portsmouth, [...]

Coach groups are made very welcome at Amberley Museum2022-09-08T12:23:35+00:00

BA i360 offers great group attraction in Brighton

BA i360 which has recently joined CTA is an ideal attraction for coach groups of all sizes and ages visiting Brighton. The i360 pod can accommodate up to 175 people with plenty of room to move around and admire the stunning views. While on board, visitors can enjoy a range of locally-sourced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks [...]

BA i360 offers great group attraction in Brighton2022-09-08T12:22:49+00:00

Take a trip to Bodmin Jail with your coach groups

CTA member Bodmin Jail is a unique visitor attraction and museum in central Cornwall which has recently benefited from an £8.5million investment, turning it into a truly world-class attraction. It is very keen for as many tour operators as possible to include it in their itineraries. Since Cornwall is a long trek for many to [...]

Take a trip to Bodmin Jail with your coach groups2022-09-08T12:21:28+00:00

Excursions confirms dates for 2023 show at Twickenham

Tourism South East’s group travel show Excursions takes place on 28 January 2023 and will be held at Twickenham for a second year.  As the longest running group travel show, Excursions has established itself as a must-attend event in the group travel calendar and has inspired and connected the group travel market for almost half a [...]

Excursions confirms dates for 2023 show at Twickenham2022-09-08T12:20:18+00:00

Crieff Hydro crowned Family Business of the Year for Scotland

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, who provided some fantastic gin refreshments to CTA members at the recent Summer Networking in Glasgow, has been recognised as the Family Business of the Year for Scotland by Family Business United. The collection of hotels includes Crieff Hydro Hotel, Peebles Hydro Hotel, and Ballachulish Hotel and Isles of Glencoe [...]

Crieff Hydro crowned Family Business of the Year for Scotland2022-09-08T12:19:33+00:00

Silverstone Interactive Museum launches guided tours for groups

You don’t have to be an ardent fan of motor racing to enjoy the Silverstone Interactive Museum, it’s a terrific day out. The Museum is housed in a restored WW2 RAF hangar right next to part of the original Grand Prix circuit. If you step outside the rear of the museum you can walk the [...]

Silverstone Interactive Museum launches guided tours for groups2022-09-08T12:18:58+00:00

New travel trade website and assets from SSDA

South of Scotland Destination alliance has produced a new Scotland Starts Here Travel Trade Section which includes a lots of information in general and seasonal brochures, itinerary section and a travel trade directory. There is also a sign-up link to a media library which gives operators free access to images and videos to use in marketing [...]

New travel trade website and assets from SSDA2022-09-08T12:17:41+00:00

National Trust Travel Trade Pass available for CTA members

CTA operators can receive a National Trust Travel Trade Pass, which is valid for 12 months from point of issue. This pass allows you and a friend or colleague to gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for those 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or [...]

National Trust Travel Trade Pass available for CTA members2024-06-21T09:50:56+00:00

Hauts-de-France suggests four-day Christmas Market itinerary

A special four-day Christmas Markets itinerary for coach operators has been prepared by Hauts-de-France. The itinerary takes in Christmas markets at Lille, Arras and Amiens as well as a suggestion for a dinner at a typical Flemish estaminet as well as a a gourmet walk in the heart of Old Lille with a guide from [...]

Hauts-de-France suggests four-day Christmas Market itinerary2022-09-08T15:12:48+00:00

New Pub and History tour in Aberdeen

Visit Aberdeen has highlighted a new Aberdeen Pub and History tour which is a private walking tour suitable for groups where your clients will learn about the history of Aberdeen through its liquids - water, beer, whisky and oil! The tour includes: • Guided walking tour telling the story of Aberdeen • Visits to two [...]

New Pub and History tour in Aberdeen2022-09-08T12:10:47+00:00

Tourism Ireland invites members to Westminster Showcase for Lisburn and Castlereagh tourism opportunities

Tourism Ireland, on behalf of the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council is inviting operators to attend a Westminster Business Showcase on Wednesday 21 September 2022  The aim of the event is to shine a major focus on tourism and hospitality that plans to: Showcase the Royal Hillsborough product to new markets; Create commercial opportunities for local companies to [...]

Tourism Ireland invites members to Westminster Showcase for Lisburn and Castlereagh tourism opportunities2022-09-08T12:10:09+00:00

The Floating Grace receives Gold Armed Forces Covenant

CTA attraction member in Liverpool The Floating Grace, which is Liverpool's only floating restaurant and bar boat and provides lunch or dinner cruises, has recently been awarded the Gold Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant aims to tighten the ties between Defence and employers and recognises employers who proactively demonstrate their forces-friendly credentials as part of [...]

The Floating Grace receives Gold Armed Forces Covenant2022-09-08T12:07:55+00:00

Travel Agenda offers support to operators with attraction visits

Travel Agenda has now been working with tour operators for more than 17 years providing a full range of services for groups. It would love to work with coach operators for arranging attraction visits as it deals with most key partners in the UK & Ireland, including Merlin, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium, as [...]

Travel Agenda offers support to operators with attraction visits2022-09-08T15:39:55+00:00

Continuum group rates for 2023

Continuum has launched new group rates for 2023 for all its attractions - Spinnaker Tower, Mary King’s Close, I’m a celebrity Jungle Challenge, Green Wood, Emmerdale The Village Tour, York’s Chocolate Story, Coronation Street The Tour and Oxford Castle & Prison.  Group rates include discounted admission prices (subject to terms and conditions); Free pre-visit familiarisation trip for [...]

Continuum group rates for 20232022-09-08T15:31:26+00:00

Shakespeare Distillery to expand and open new Rum School

Shakespeare Distillery is expanding its business and opening a brand-new experiences space in Stratford-upon-Avon. The independent artisan spirit producer is taking on a long-term lease at No 1 High Street which houses its retail shop on the ground floor. Initially seen as a pop-up shop, Shakespeare Distillery is converting two additional floors above the retail [...]

Shakespeare Distillery to expand and open new Rum School2022-09-08T12:08:49+00:00

Register for Flanders Travel Forum

CTA operators and wholesalers are invited by VisitFlanders to a fully-hosted trip to the Flanders Travel Forum in Bruges from 25-28 September 2022. It’s a great opportunity for those wanting to reacquaint themselves with the region and get to know the city of Bruges again. It includes pre- and post-tours, and the main workshop supplier [...]

Register for Flanders Travel Forum2022-08-22T10:41:36+00:00

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 [...]

Legendary Scottish hospitality welcomed CTA members for Summer Networking Event2022-08-01T10:24:44+00:00

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 [...]

New Travel Trade website for Visit Wales2022-07-05T07:21:08+00:00

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 [...]

Valor’s Crowne Plaza to host CTA event in Glasgow2022-07-05T07:18:41+00:00

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 [...]

Dundee departures added for Ambassador Cruise Line2022-07-05T07:15:44+00:00

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.

Special offers in Chester from Big Heritage2022-07-05T07:14:16+00:00

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. [...]

Bakers Dolphin supports fundraising walkers2022-07-05T07:13:39+00:00

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 [...]

Range of great tours available at Bodmin Jail2022-07-05T07:10:01+00:00

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 [...]

UK trade representative Gary Toshack joins Visit Brussels office in London2022-07-05T07:06:57+00:00

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 [...]

Celebrate 100 years of opera with Arena di Verona Opera Festival2022-07-05T08:12:48+00:00

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 [...]

Tripadvisor award for The Heights of Abraham2022-07-05T07:05:17+00:00

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 [...]

Book now for CTA summer Networking in Glasgow – 24-26 July 20222022-07-21T12:33:04+00:00

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 [...]

CTA members’ generosity raises £1,725 for Liverpool homeless charity2022-06-06T12:46:12+00:00

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 [...]

Invitation to Hilton Customer Showcase2022-06-06T12:47:42+00:00

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 [...]

Deirdre Wells appointed to Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust2022-06-06T14:56:19+00:00

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 [...]

New groups website for Visit Hull2022-06-06T12:44:37+00:00

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 [...]

New exhibition launched at the Heights of Abraham2022-06-06T12:43:59+00:00

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 [...]

Latest news from Aberdeenshire2022-06-06T12:43:23+00:00

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 [...]

Harold Wilsons’ War is Over card from John and Yoko at Liverpool Beatles Museum2022-06-06T12:39:58+00:00

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 [...]

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London launches free electric shuttle bus service2022-06-06T12:39:18+00:00

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

Palace of Holyroodhouse opening times2022-06-06T12:38:23+00:00

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 [...]

Warm Welsh welcome for CTA Spring Networking event in Newport2022-06-06T09:14:12+00:00

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. [...]

Platinum Jubilee arrangements in London2022-05-24T08:18:33+00:00

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 [...]

Newport prepares a special welcome for CTA members for the 2022 Spring Networking event2022-05-16T08:45:26+00:00

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 [...]

Highlighting the Isle of Wight at CTA Fam trip2022-04-28T12:18:09+00:00

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 [...]

Visit Scotland Fams and Save the Date for CTA event in Glasgow2022-04-28T12:08:52+00:00

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 [...]

Old Royal Naval College relaunches Nelson Room after conservation project2022-04-28T12:01:59+00:00

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 [...]

New Three Bridges Cruise & Lunch from Forth Boat Tours2022-04-28T12:01:11+00:00

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 [...]

Walking Tours give new insight to Aberdeen2022-04-28T12:33:02+00:00

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 [...]

Coldharbour Mill rural skills programme2022-04-28T11:57:12+00:00
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