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, [...]
We are excited to launch the bookings for the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 which takes place in Stratford-upon Avon from 8-11 February. The event is based at the Crowne Plaza Stratford and features the ever-popular and must-attend Meet the Buyer Workshop on the Monday morning, plus a Conference session that afternoon and networking dinners on Sunday and Monday. There are [...]
CTA operator and wholesaler buyer members should book now for the remaining places available at CTA Winter Networking. The event takes place in Blackpool, Saturday 23 to Monday 25 November. Over 120 delegates have booked to attend the event with the new extended format. Held at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, the weekend will present widespread opportunities [...]
Louise Webster, European Tours Manager at Acklams Coaches, and Beverley Williams-Smith, Head of Sales and Partnerships UK & Inbound, Kew Green Hotels, have joined CTA’s board of directors. With more than 20 years in the industry and a degree in Business Management, Louise Webster has held her role at Acklams Coaches for three years, following [...]
CTA-member suppliers are invited to sponsor the 2025 CTA Conference, taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, 9-11 February. A range of packages are still available, providing excellent exposure to over 200 expected delegate companies at the event, as well as media and social media promotion to a wider travel trade audience. Options cover a variety of price [...]
Gwynedd Council has launched a study into improved coach access, drop off and parking in Caernarfon, and is inviting coach operators to provide feedback. The feasibility study is looking into the management of coaches and coach parking, particularly over seasonal peaks. The 16-question survey is open to operators and/or drivers and can be accessed here: [...]
TTG Encore has launched group tickets for The Devil Wears Prada, a new musical, based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, that will strut into London’s Dominion Theatre from October 2024. The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger's best-selling 2003 novel and 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios. Featuring an original score by [...]
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway has launched guided tours of its 200-year old Boston Lodge Engineering Works, the oldest continually operating railway engineering works in the world. Groups can learn about the people involved in the works and the railway, as well as the locomotives and carriages that have been built and held at Boston Lodge. [...]
The Tudor World, a new, permanent exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, has now opened, exploring the story of the Tudor royal dynasty. Set within the oldest palace rooms, the Wolsey Rooms, the exhibition is told through rare and important 16th-century artwork and historic objects, as well as interactive displays. The Tudor World will explore the [...]
Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth has announced a Twixmas offer from 27–30 December 2024. The late availability includes three nights’ accommodation including tea & coffee on arrival, a three-course table d'hote menu each evening, full English buffet breakfast, evening entertainment in the bar on one night (subject to numbers), coach parking on site, porterage, plus [...]
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is providing coach group offers, including tours of the castle and grounds with bespoke packages available. The site, situated less than a mile off the A1 between Newcastle and Edinburgh, is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, [...]
Blenheim Palace has announced the introduction of exclusive offers for groups visiting during off-peak dates between 6 January and 31 March 2025. 2025 prices for group visits start from £39 for a Palace, Park and Gardens adult ticket for groups of 15+, including free admission for a group leader. The rate includes all-day coach parking, [...]
Cumbria’s Westmorland & Furness region of The Lake District has announced a range of new attractions, including the world speed record Bluebird K7, as well as the reopening of Barrow’s refurbished Dock Museum. Donald Campbell's iconic hydroplane, the Bluebird K7, in which he set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964, has returned [...]
Forth Boat Tours, one of Edinburgh’s leading attractions, has partnered with Rosebank Distillery, Scotland’s newest distillery, located in Falkirk, to create a new river cruise and distillery experience. With travel trade rates available for coach groups up to a maximum of 44 people, the ticket includes a guided tour of Rosebank Distillery and tutored tasting [...]
The Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre Country Club in Chepstow has announced its relaunch following an extensive refurbishment. The historic fourteenth-century manor includes 148 guestrooms, with a range of kings, twins, and suites. The updated hotel is a great location for groups to explore The Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, and South Wales. St [...]
The Real Mary King’s Close, a five-star heritage visitor attraction in Edinburgh, says it has celebrated its best summer season ever, welcoming over 93,000 guests from around the globe. The Royal Mile attraction, operated by Continuum Attractions, has also celebrated being named the UK’s Best Visitor Attraction by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Continuum says that [...]
With places selling fast, CTA coach operator and wholesaler members are advised to book now for CTA Winter Networking in Blackpool, Saturday 23 to Monday 25 November. Over 80 delegates have already booked for the extended event that will give even more opportunities for business development and networking. Based at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, the event [...]
Sponsorship requests for the 2025 CTA Conference are now open. CTA members are invited to sponsor an event at the Conference, taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, 9-11 February 2025, with options including dinners, entertainment, as well as coaches & guides. Sponsors already confirmed include Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Valor Hospitality. A variety of sponsorship [...]
VisitScotland Connect, Scotland’s premier travel trade event, returns in 2025 on 9 and 10 April at P&J Live, Aberdeen. Booking registration will open late this summer – more information to follow. The event presents tourism buyers from around the globe with the opportunity to experience Scotland and meet face-to-face with Scottish tourism businesses. VisitScotland Connect [...]
CTA has learned the sad news of the passing of Diane Brown of Johnson Bros. Johnson Bros said: “Diane was a much loved member of the Johnson Business and had worked with us for more than 20 years. Diane was a huge presence amongst colleagues and clients and was adored by all. She will be [...]
New CTA member The Ruskin Hotel is a Visit England 3-star hotel in the centre of Blackpool, keen to work with coach groups. The hotel is encouraging coach tour operators attending CTA Winter Networking to visit the hotel while they are in Blackpool. In July 2023, the hotel purchased the last two properties on the [...]
The QHotels Collection would like to remind CTA members that there’s still time to donate to the 100km charity walk team who are participating in memory of Stacy Whittington. Hutch and Lynette from The QHotels Collection sales team are taking part in the South Coast Challenge on 7 September to raise money for the charity Cardiac [...]
Hilton Cambridge City Centre hotel is inviting CTA members to a supplier event on 19 September to promote Cambridge as a destination for travel and event needs. The event is scheduled for 10am to 1pm and exhibitors already signed up include the Museum of Zoology, the Traditional Punting Company, Hidden Cambridge, the Cambridge Gin Lab, Cambridge [...]
Coach groups are invited to experience the two-day Coin, Coal and Cheers package in South Wales. The tour takes in the Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan, involving the Royal Mint, the Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, and Hensol Castle Distillery. The Rhondda Heritage Park Museum provides a Welsh Coal Mining Experience at the [...]
Roeville, the supplier of reservation, operations and e-commerce systems to UK coach tour operators, has appointed Daniel Caddick as its new Commercial Director. Daniel previously held the role of Commercial Manager having joined Roeville in 2017. Daniel says: “I’m thrilled to be able to take up this role at such an exciting time for the [...]
Booking is open for groups to enjoy Christmas at Blenheim Palace, featuring a magical Neverland-themed journey, taking place from 15 November until 1 January 2025. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of lights to celebrate the festive season. This year, the stage is set for a swashbuckling adventure in [...]
Dover Castle has opened Under Siege, a new visitor experience explaining the 1216-1217 siege and how the English throne was prevented from falling into French hands. Visitors will also see what life was like for a soldier in the 1800s when fears of a French invasion in the Napoleonic era reached another peak. Interactive exhibitions [...]
This Christmas, Waddesdon is set to be transformed for a magical festive experience inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, a glittering light trail in the gardens, and the return of the ever-popular Christmas market. Taking the classic story as inspiration, a team of [...]
CTA member Liverpool Football Club Museum has relaunched with a new, immersive journey following the attraction’s first revamp in a decade. Located in the heart of Anfield, the museum retells the club’s story as a tribute to the legacy of the club for fans from all over the world. State-of-the-art exhibits showcase iconic moments, legendary [...]
Visit Lake District, Cumbria has launched a range of cultural experiences across the Westmorland & Furness region for coach groups to add new product. The Let’s Go Culture experience presents a range of activities and trip ideas across the Westmorland & Furness region that spans from Alston in the North Pennines to Barrow-in-Furness on the [...]
Vox delivers a range of guide technology services, including digital radios and smartphone apps for group guiding, as well as local expert technology for multilingual group guiding, and self-guiding apps for free-time activities. voxtours.com presents the company’s portfolio of services which also includes content creation and venue management services. The website displays a variety of [...]
Visit County Durham has reported that the county’s visitor economy hit £1.23bn in 2023 following a 12.5% increase in visitors to 20.15million last year, with visitor spending up by 18.8%. The figure reflects the county’s investment which has also seen tourism employment increase by 12.4% to over 13,000 employees. Visit County Durham says that new [...]
CTA’s next networking event will take place on the opening morning of World Travel Market (WTM), Tuesday 5 November, at The Fox ExCel bar, at ExCel, London. CTA Networking at WTM is sponsored by Croisi Europe, and gives members the opportunity to meet and develop new business ahead of the show. Meeting at approximately 9am [...]
CTA is very saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Easton, a director of Eastons Holidays, who died on 28 June. Eastons Holidays said that Derek fought a six-year battle with cancer but passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. The company said: “He was so proud of his legacy, both [...]
Paris intends to restrict coach access within the centre of the city as part of its pedestrian-first policy, ‘Paris piéton’ and its clear-air policy, ‘Paris respire'. According to ETOA (European Tourism Association), The Right Bank - running 4km from Place de la Concorde to Canal Saint-Martin and 1.5km from the Seine to the Grands Boulevards [...]
A new museum is opening late July 2024 in Derry ~ Londonderry. The Peacemakers Museum focuses on how the North of Ireland moved from decades of violent conflict to peace. The museum is located in the Bogside area of Derry that witnessed some of the key events of the conflict including the Battle of the [...]
CTA members booking trips for 2025 with Broads Tours before the end of the year will benefit from 2024 prices with no deposit required. Operators can also receive cash back at the end of the season. CTA member, Broads Tours, based in Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads, provides a range of river trips and tailored [...]
