Shakespeare Distillery offers a range of popular and informative group experiences including distillery tours and tastings, cocktail masterclass and gin school. The artisan spirit producer based in Stratford-upon-Avon has been distilling gin for the last five years on its own premises. The products are inspired by the Tudor period, which is ingrained in the history [...]
Encore has a whole host of recommendations on shows for coach groups in its latest update, including Only Fools And Horses The Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket; Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at the Lyric Theatre; and Magic Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre. The world may have changed a lot since [...]
Blenheim Palace has some great events planned to welcome groups back to the attraction, including an Autumn Festival, new Halloween event and Christmas at Blenheim with a festive market, illuminated light trail and a trip around the Palace. The Illuminated Light Trail runs from 22-31 October and includes more than a million lights, lasers and [...]
Old Royal Naval College has announced that coaches can now be driven on to its site for the first time. Up to two coaches per day will be allowed on to the Old Royal Naval College campus with the group able to disembark on the site’s main avenue. Coaches must be pre-booked. There are options for both full days [...]
After an 18 month wait for hopefuls across the coach tourism sector, the winners of the 2020 British Coach Tourism Awards were announced at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham on 22 September 2021. With CTA members prominent among the winners, including former chair Denise Bridges, the 2020 awards recognised UK coach tour operators, destinations, visitor [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 20/09/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 6 Sep 2021 20 September 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update New Traffic Light System The Government has announced that the current traffic light system will be replaced by a single red [...]
The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC Birmingham in just two weeks’ time (22-23 September, NEC, Birmingham). So, what can you expect from the coach tourism industry showcase? The free to attend programme offers two days of inspiration and practical advice. Leading authorities including CTA, VisitEngland, The Tourism Alliance, AGTO, and the [...]
WOTGA - Wales Official Tourist Guides Association - has welcomed seven new members as accredited Green Badge Tourist Guides for the south east region of Wales which includes the cities of Cardiff and Newport, mid Wales, the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. There are also six new guides for south west Wales and ten for [...]
The Swan at the Globe restaurant, part of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on the banks of the River Thames overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, has launched its first travel trade and group friendly Afternoon Tea, which is themed to Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet runs next door at the Globe until 17 October. Combining local ingredients [...]
GLH’s Chris Ball has provided an update on London hotels that are all open and operating – and most importantly taking groups! * Hard Rock Hotel London * The Royal Horseguards * The Tower Hotel (and coach parking!) * The Clermont Charing Cross * The Clermont Victoria * Thistle [...]
The latest Group and Travel Trade news from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole features updates on a range of activities in the area and includes details of the new Travel Trade Resource Hub which should prove to be an essential tool when planning a group visit to the area. Christmas will be an exciting time across Bournemouth, Christchurch [...]
Marsham Court Hotel reports that it is seeing very healthy coach group bookings for 2023/2024 and has already started receiving enquires for 2025 with many of the groups having been going to the hotel for several years and operators keen to secure their dates for the future.As a family business, Marsham Court has worked hard [...]
Historic Royal Palaces is aiming to celebrate the forthcoming festive season in style. Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will be the home of a new light trail and regally festive decorations are set to delight visitors to Kensington Palace and the Tower of London. At Hampton Court Palace from 7 December 2021 [...]
After a challenging 15 months, Encore reports that it is wonderful to finally see London theatres open to full capacity again! With demand for tickets rising steeply, there has never been a better time to book your coach groups. Encore has great group rates available for shows such as Wicked, Prince of Egypt and Harry Potter [...]
After an 18-month wait for hopefuls across the coach tourism sector, finalists in the 2020 British Coach Tourism Awards will finally discover the winners at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham on 22 September 2021. The long-awaited, thrice postponed event is timed to coincide with the British Tourism & Travel Show at the NEC, Birmingham on [...]
Shakespeare Distillery in Warwickshire is celebrating after scooping two recent awards despite a very challenging year which has seen the business go from strength to strength. The independent artisan spirit producer has been awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2021 and has also been awarded a silver medal in the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021 for its Jester [...]
New CTA member, Heights of Abraham, has been recognised as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice award winner for attractions worldwide. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned great reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, The Heights stood out by continuously [...]
Chatsworth has announced that it can now increase the total number of visitors per group at Christmas from a maximum of 30 to a maximum of 50. Coach operators with bookings do not need to do anything at this point, as Chatsworth has automatically increased the provisional number of visitors on bookings to 50. Operators [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 06/09/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 6 Sep 2021 6 September 2021 ... Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance update: If you would like to subscribe to the NITA newsletter please register at https://nitourismalliance.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dc8a3545635e3edf44fc30ce&id=57c1b8a0c9 Tourism Ireland GB Campaign - It was [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 30/08/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 31 Aug 2021 2 Sep 2021 31 August 2021 ... Changes to the Green and Red Lists Following the latest review , the following changes have been made which will come [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 23/08/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 24 Aug 2021 25 Aug 2021 24 August 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: Clarification On Guidance One question that I’ve been discussing with DCMS is what “fully vaccinated” means in the [...]
We have had a good response to the planned CTA event in Liverpool in September 2021, but it is evident that many of our operator members in particular are reporting that they can’t spare the time to attend due to being so busy with coach tours. It is always important for the success of our [...]
Britain & Ireland’s leading travel trade show returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 22-23 September. Showcasing a broad spectrum of coach friendly attractions and destinations, the event is a must visit for coach operators. For the 2,800+ visitors that attend each year, it offers a compelling line-up, including inspiration from well- and lesser-known attractions and [...]
Following the success of hosting the Euro 2020 games, Wembley Stadium Tours will reopen on Monday 6 September with tickets now on sale to the travel trade. Wembley is ready to welcome visitors back behind the scenes and under the world-famous arch once more and has made new additions to the tour while it has [...]
Accor’s CTA contact, Amar Visht, has prepared a list of its London hotels that offer coach parking which coach operators may find useful. Accor is also working on a similar list for other UK cities. See the list here www.accor.com
For coach operators looking for secure overnight parking in Liverpool, CTA member Maghull Coaches/City Explorer is offering a rate of £20 per night and £10 for all day parking. Maghull offers a flexible system, and as an example, if a coach arrives Friday early evening and departs Sunday am, with the coach not used on [...]
Following the First Minister’s confirmation that Scotland has moved beyond Level 0 of the Scottish Government Coronavirus protection measures, CalMac has confirmed the following changes to operations across its network from 9 August 2021. Capacity Official physical distancing guidelines will be lifted on 9 August 2021. This means that the number of passengers carried on [...]
CalMac’s Neil Hunter reports with great sadness that after 18 years of service with CalMac, Ian Fox has decided to weigh up anchor in preparation for his new journey in retirement. “I would like to thank Ian for his contribution over the last 18 years and wish him well in his upcoming retirement,” says Neil. [...]
The slate landscape of North West Wales has now become Wales’ 4th UNESCO World Heritage site following more than 15 years’ of hard work by partners to record, safeguard and recognise the living legacy of the slate landscape of Gwynedd locally and worldwide. This new World Heritage Site comprises six distinct areas, known as ‘Component Parts’: [...]
Visit Windsor’s campaign to entice international visitors back to its Royal Borough includes the launch of a new digital magazine, Woo. Pre-Covid, Windsor welcomed 8.4 million trips annually as travellers from across the globe came to town to enjoy its many attractions, from Windsor Castle and the magnificent Crown Estate to Legoland Windsor and a host of activities on the River Thames. Supporting the Royal Borough’s [...]
Encore has provided another update on West End shows, including Disney’s Frozen which launches as a brand-new theatrical experience in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August. Incredible special effects, stunning costumes and jaw-dropping scenery bring Elsa and Anna’s journey to life in a whole new way. And with all the beloved songs from the [...]
Waddesdon is promoting a magical outdoor visit for the forthcoming festive season with spectacular light displays that bring the gardens to life, including its longest ever Winter Light trail, a Christmas Fair offering unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats, and a chance to see the Manor's façade illuminated with dancing lights set to sequenced music. [...]
Roadchef has overhauled its Captain’s Club loyalty scheme as coach travel returns to the roads following the COVID pandemic. The nationwide scheme – which has over 3,000 members so far – has benefitted from an upgraded and easy to navigate app, along with lots of new offers and personalised rewards for drivers bringing passengers to [...]
Dalata Hotel Group is the largest hotel group in Ireland, and now has a growing presence in the UK, including its latest opening which is its first hotel in Scotland. The four-star Maldron hotel is located on Renfrew St, in the heart of Glasgow’s shopping, restaurant & theatre district. The £40million property features new spacious [...]
Strathmore Hotels reports that it still has availability for 2021/22 at its Alexandra Hotel and Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club in Fort William. The hotels are located on Scotland's West Coast, which make them the ideal hotels in Fort William for exploring the stunning area. Alexandra Hotel is situated in the centre of town, next to the [...]
Southern Wales Tourism has launched a wonderful virtual tour video which gives you an insight into all the great attractions and experiences your groups can enjoy in the are. Take a look here - https://www.facebook.com/southernwales/videos/513853993011620
‘Something To Look Forward To’ is a multi-award winning cancer charity that has been supported by Coach Tourism Association members since its launch in 2015. Many members may have met the founding directors, Fiona and Andy Coldron, at previous CTA events and kindly donated experiences which were gifted to families affected by cancer poverty. Sadly, [...]
Salisbury Cathedral reports that thanks to the great weather - and the occasional bouts of heavy rain and storms - its visitor numbers have been steadily climbing since the changes to Covid restrictions came in last month. More than 14,500 people visited the cathedral in July and a steady stream have been booking for the [...]
Scotland is moving beyond level zero from Monday 9 August. This means that most of the remaining legally imposed restrictions will be lifted. While some protective measures will stay in place, the legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on household gatherings will be removed, and all venues across Scotland will be able to re-open. [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 09/08/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 9 Aug 2021 12 Aug 2021 9 August 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: New Events Insurance Scheme The Government has announced a new £750m Live Events Reinsurance Scheme. The scheme will [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 02/08/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 2 Aug 2021 3 Aug 2021 4 Aug 2021 5 Aug 2021 2 August 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: Status of Children Arriving From The EU And US After 2nd August There [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 26/07/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 26 July 2021 27 July 2021 28 July 2021 30 July 2021 26 July 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: Public Guidance Updated The primary guidance to the public on coronavirus has [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 19/07/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 19 July 2021 20 July 2021 19 July 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: Announcements of Covid Passports For Large Crowed Settings and Testing As An Alternative To Self-Isolation Nadhim Zahawi has announced [...]
VisitScotland has issued an update on the latest changes as Scotland begins a gradual move out of lockdown. First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that all areas of Scotland will move to level zero from Monday 19 July. The next review is due on 9 August. See the latest issue of Scotland News for more details [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 12/07/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 15 July 2021 15 July 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: The Move to Step 4 Following the announcement confirming the move to Step 4 of the Roadmap on 19th July, the Government [...]
The requirement to self-isolate when quarantining from an Amber list country is going to be removed on 19 July for fully vaccinated people returning to England. It is also worth noting that the requirement for non-vaccinated people to self-isolate is being removed for those under the age of 18 to enable families to take holidays [...]
We are delighted to report that the first in-person CTA event of 2021 is now set for September! Please save the dates - 27-28 September when we will host the 2021 Workshop and Networking Event at Hilton Liverpool. After more than a year of lockdown trauma, this really is a must-attend event with a chance [...]
CTA chair Robert Shaw reports that his company, Harry Shaw, has recently brought tourism home to its base in Coventry. To mark UK City of Culture 2021, a group of GTOs were hosted at the luxurious Coombe Abbey Hotel and visited a host of attractions including The Charterhouse, St Mary’s Hall, Cathedral and Transport Museum. [...]
CTA is delighted to welcome the National Trust as a member and can report that many of its properties are once again welcoming coach groups. A list of 55 properties which now accept coach bookings is available here. We will pass on updates on further properties which are re-opening to coach groups. The property website [...]
Encore has provided an update for CTA members on the latest news from West End shows, including Cinderella The Musical, The Drifters Girl and Back to the Future: The Musical. The much-anticipated world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella has begun performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. A new romantic musical comedy featuring an original [...]
