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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
There’s more to see and do than ever before at the award-winning Heights of Abraham, Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction, established in 1787. Begin your day at the Heights by taking flight in one of the famous cable cars. Travel across the picturesque Derwent Valley in style and enjoy the views of Matlock Bath below. It's not [...]
Signalling its confidence in the British tourism and cruise market, Ambassador Cruises has purchased its second ship, Ambition, which will enter service next year. Ambition, like its sister ship Ambience, will offer no-fly cruises predominantly targeting the 50-plus market with a premium-value, authentic cruise experience. In addition to sailing from London Tilbury, a summer 2023 [...]
Partner member CalMac has a new CTA contact, Stephen Monaghan, whom many members may have met up with at the Liverpool Conference. Stephen started with CalMac in September 2016 as a customer services team manager and had a hands-on approach overseeing the daily activities of a team to ensure the delivery of exemplary customer service to [...]
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has a new attraction open until 20 November 2022 - Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744, an exciting maritime archaeological exhibition which takes visitors as close to the seabed as possible while staying in dry dock. Visitors to the new exhibition at The Historic Dockyard Chatham will be able to tread the seabed [...]
Shakespeare Distillery has been shortlisted twice in the West Midlands Tourism Awards. The independent artisan spirit producer based in Stratford-upon-Avon has been shortlisted in the Experience of the Year and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and is one of only a small handful of businesses to be shortlisted in the Stratford-upon-Avon region. The awards [...]
ALTON TOWERS RESORT 18 March 2022 - 6 November 2022 Alton Towers Resort has been a world-renowned haven of fun and adventure for almost 200 years!. Despite what you may think, the castle-like structure in the heart of the theme park isn’t fake and isn’t a castle! It’s 100 per cent authentic and was once [...]
Following the postponed 2020 event due to the pandemic, Coach Tours UK magazine has confirmed a new date for an action-packed day in Buxton, Derbyshire. Hosted at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derbyshire on Monday 5 September, Coach Tours UK Magazine is inviting coach operators and GTOs to attend this free Fam, aimed at providing [...]
UNESCO World Heritage Site Canterbury Cathedral has new tours and group experiences lined up for 2022, along with new catering options and self-guided visits. To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year, Canterbury Cathedral is launching a special guided tour which is bookable for groups, telling stories of royals through the ages. On this private [...]
The latest VisitAberdeenshire travel trade update includes news on Aberdeen Art Gallery and Crathes Castle. Situated in the heart of the city, Aberdeen Art Gallery re-opened its doors to visitors in November 2019 following a landmark £34.6million redevelopment, winning the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020. Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one [...]
Coronation Street The Tour returns this spring and can take your groups on a trip down the nation’s most famed street to discover the hidden world which lies behind the camera lens. Explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK, Manchester on a guided tour which takes in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street. This [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 24/01/22 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 24 Jan 2022 26 Jan 2022 26 January 2022 ... Tourism Alliance update: £10m Marketing Campaign With the forthcoming removal of most restrictions on International Travel, The Government and VisitBritain has announced [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 17/01/22 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 19 Jan 2022 21 Jan 2022 21 January 2022 ... Tourism Alliance update: Wales Moves to Level 0 The Welsh Government has announced that it will complete the move to Alert Level [...]
It is with sadness that we have to announce the passing of Paul Acklam of Acklams Coaches, after a short illness. He leaves behind his wife Jo, children Alan, Brian & Fay and grandchildren. Paul was always very generous with his time in assisting with the work of CTA, and took an active part in [...]
Great business networking, fabulous fam trips and the chance to all meet up again - plans finalised for CTA Workshop & Conference 2022 in Liverpool 6-8 February Book your place now! The CTA team has been preparing the ground for the Workshop & Conference 2022 which takes place in Liverpool on 6-8 Feb. [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 10/01/22 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 10 Jan 2022 12 Jan 2022 14 Jan 2022 14 January 2022 ... Tourism Alliance update: Reduction In Self-Isolation Period The Government has announced that, from Monday, the isolation period for [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 04/01/22 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 6 Jan 2022 6 January 2022 ... Tourism Alliance update: Removal of Pre-Departure Testing The Prime Minister has announced that from 4am on Friday the requirement for pre-departure testing for people [...]
A message for members from CTA chair Robert Shaw: Dear Member I imagine that like me, you are now having to adjust to yet another twist and turn on the long road out of this pandemic with the introduction of the latest Omicron measures. The past couple of years have been immensely challenging for all [...]
Since the creation of the moat in the 13th century, the space encircling the iconic Tower of London has had various roles, from an invasion deterrent to an allotment during the Second World War. In recent years, the moat has been the setting for two major commemorations for the Centenary of the First World War: [...]
Herriot Country and World of James Herriot reports that it is enjoying a surge in demand from visitors from all over the UK and there is pent-up demand overseas as The All Creatures Great and Small Channel 5 TV series is rolled out around the world after its success in the UK. The Yorkshire Vet [...]
Visit Flanders is highlighting a number of events and activities planned for 2022 in its latest update. While 2021 proved to be difficult hosting fam trips and educationals in Flanders, it is planning to host several niche visits to showcase new product in 2022. If you are interested in the themes shown below, please get [...]
Hever Castle has a number of special events lined up for next year including a new exhibition about Anne Boleyn. This is the first of a series of exhibitions detailing the life and times of Anne Boleyn and launches on 4 March 2022, 500 years to the day she made her debut at court in [...]
Eddie Brown, the founder of what became one of the UK’s most respected coach operators, has passed away aged 96. An interest in cars and all things mechanical prompted Eddie to pursue a post-war career in coaches. He bought his first coach, a 20-seat Commer, in 1949 for £200, a move that delayed his marriage [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 2012/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 23 Dec 2021 22 Dec 2021 21 Dec 2021 20 Dec 2021 23 December 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update: Self-Isolation Reduced From 10 To 7 Days The Government has announced that, [...]
Dear Tourism Partner I hope that you, your teams and your families are all doing well and looking forward to the holidays. In Tourism Ireland we understand how difficult the last few years have been for the travel and tourism industry across the globe. Even though things are a little difficult at the moment we [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 13/12/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 13 Dec 2021 15 Dec 2021 16 Dec 2021 13 December 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update Guidance For Transport Operators Updated The guidance for transport operators has been updated with more details [...]
CTA members enjoyed a stimulating update on Scotland in the zoom session to mark St Andrew’s Day on 30 November. If you missed it, you can watch the video below and there are also links to the presentations from Partner members VisitScotland and CalMac Ferries, plus Edinburgh attraction Scotch Whisky Experience, and the Edinburgh Tattoo [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 29/11/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 29 Nov 2021 30 Nov 2021 1 Dec 2021 2 Dec 2021 29 November 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update You will have no doubt seen much on the news about the Government’s [...]
CTA partner Visit Wales has highlighted some recent developments including a new group-friendly hotel at Milford Haven, and restoration at National Botanic Garden of Wales. A new 100 bedroom hotel opens at Milford Waterfront in spring 2022, with views across Milford Marina on the Pembrokeshire coast. It will be managed by Celtic Manor Resort, as [...]
Ashley & Newey has launched its selection of 2023 itineraries, including more than 100 UK tour programmes - with more being added every day. Brand-new packages visiting destinations across England, Wales, and Scotland, alongside its existing portfolio, offer a wide range of dates to suit all needs. New destinations and hotel locations include the south [...]
Stuart Line Cruises’ Exeter Canal Cruise runs only a handful of times per year but ipsa recognised it as one of the very best excursions in Devon, with many operators securing their spaces for the heavily oversubscribed boat trip as early as possible. This special event offers a relaxing cruise between Exmouth and the cathedral [...]
VisitAberdeenshire’s latest travel trade update includes a chance to get up close and personal with Highland cattle. Groups will be guided by Grace who will provide information on her farm, the different breeds of cows before introducing some of the different highland cattle. Visitors will have the opportunity to brush them, pet and take plenty [...]
Kent’s Heritage Coast receives Lonely Planet accolade as one of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022 Kent’s Heritage Coast has been named one of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. Kent is the only UK destination to feature within this year’s round-up with a [...]
Visitors to the Old Royal Naval College can expect a thrilling musical show, carols and more this festive season. Goblin Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is coming to the Painted Hall, as well as Christmas carol services in the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. In the magnificent setting of the Painted Hall, Goblin Theatre [...]
Royal Collection Trust has announced that visits for 2022 are now on sale and operators can make group reservations and bookings for visits to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which will include special displays to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The annual Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace [...]
Wicked, the West End and Broadway musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, has announced an extension to its current booking period exclusively for travel trade and group organisers for performances from 29 November 2022 to 28 May 2023. Now in its landmark 16th year, Wicked plays Tuesday-Saturday evening [...]
Amiens has produced its latest update for the travel trade with news of events, hotel upgrades and attractions, including a new route dedicated to the creative genius of Jules Verne. Jules Verne lived most of his life in Amiens and the city aims to celebrate this in a much more spectacular way. A Jules Verne [...]
Winter Wonderland returns to Hyde Park until Monday 3 January 2022 and Transport for London and City of Westminster have reintroduced some limited coach parking facilities in Park Lane. Park Lane Southbound From north (Cumberland Gate) to south (Hyde Park Corner) • one space -20 mins maximum stay Jct. of Cumberland Gate. • Bus Stand Z1 [...]
Operators who bring a coach full of key group bookers to Excursions 2022 in January will enjoy a special ‘Local Produce’ themed welcome in the arrivals lounge at Twickenham Stadium. Excursions is working with Visit Devon and Visit Plymouth, who are sponsoring the welcome programme for its special guest coaches. Excursions is always a great opportunity for coach [...]
CTA members are invited to attend a special zoom event to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Tuesday 30 November at 11am. With fantastic support from our Partner members CalMac Ferries and VisitScotland, the event will highlight the very special welcome that awaits your groups in Scotland. CalMac will be showcasing their exciting food and beverage [...]
COVID-19 Updates - week commencing 01/11/21 More updates of developments from the government and various links to interpretation and guidance. Go to date: 1 Nov 2021 1 Nov 2021 ... Tourism Alliance update Wales To Increase Covid Pass Requirement After it’s regular Covid review, the Welsh Government has announcement that the country will be [...]
If you are visiting World Travel Market in London, we’d love to see you at our drop-in on the Monday morning. Join CTA members for a coffee and catch-up in The Fox pub from 10am. If you are planning to attend the CTA networking drop-in, please register here. And if you haven’t already registered for [...]
We are delighted to open bookings for the 2022 Workshop & Conference in Liverpool which will take place from Sunday 6 to Tuesday 8 February. CTA Workshop & Conference 6-8 February 2022 Hilton Liverpool, L1 8LW Book your place now! We will be based at Hilton Liverpool which is ideally situated just minutes [...]
Next year will see Her Majesty the Queen become the first monarch in British history to celebrate a platinum jubilee. Historic Royal Palaces plans to mark this milestone with a major new display in the moat at the Tower of London. The moat was previously the setting for a world-famous display of 888,246 ceramic poppies [...]
Strawberry Field, the site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, is aiming to be the UK’s Number 1 attraction for accessibility for both individual and group visits, thanks to a series of upgraded and innovative features. Previously a Salvation Army children’s home where John Lennon came to play and escape, Strawberry [...]
Discover Scotland: Reconnect 2022 will replace the longstanding annual VisitScotland Expo with a format designed to mitigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and build on the success of Scotland Reconnect 2020 and 2021. The three-day Discover Scotland: Reconnect 2022 virtual event on 5-7 April, will provide an ideal platform to explore new business opportunities [...]
VisitAberdeenshire is promoting a range of exciting and different experiences with 10 Dollar Shake and Rabbie's. VisitAberdeenshire is promoting a range of exciting and different experiences with 10 Dollar Shake and Rabbie's. 10 Dollar Shake is a food and drink experience provider offering a range of different options to give your clients a true taste [...]
