Visit Isle of Man has welcomed Claire McColgan of Liverpool City Council to the organisation’s Non-Executive Board. Claire’s expansive background in destination making will assist in shaping the Visit Isle of Man Visitor Economy Strategy. Claire is Director of Culture and Major Events at Liverpool City Council and is responsible for Culture Liverpool, Marketing Liverpool, [...]
Visit Aberdeenshire is promoting Garioch Heritage Centre to groups, combined with fine group accommodation in Aberdeen. Garioch Heritage Centre showcases an architecturally acclaimed conversion of a former industrial building, originally part of the Inverurie Locomotive Works, which played a key role in the social and economic development of the area. Groups can explore the history [...]
Marriott is offering CTA coach operator members deals at its hotels across the UK. Many hotels within the Marriott brand are participating, so CTA members are advised to contact their prospective hotel directly. A selection of participating hotels and offers include Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County. Through to April 2025, the hotel is [...]
To celebrate its largest exhibition to date, Icons of British Fashion, Blenheim Palace has launched a fashionista-themed afternoon tea, and has enhanced its retail offering with a range of special edition gifts and merchandise. Visitors can start their Icons of British Fashion journey in the newly renovated Orangery at Blenheim Palace and enjoy savouries and [...]
Criterion Hospitality presents six London hotels with offers for groups at locations throughout the city close to the major tourist attractions. The hotels can offer multi-bedded room types, accommodating up to 12 people, and can also provide meeting space as well as group meals, including lunch and dinner. The hotels can also provide theatre ticket [...]
The Silverstone Museum, located trackside at one of the world’s best-known motorsport circuits, is welcoming groups for 2024 and beyond. The site houses a large collection of iconic race cars and motorbikes, and Silverstone Museum is also home to the British Racing Drivers’ Club archive collection. With interactive appeal for visitors of all ages, the [...]
St. Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, is presenting a special Guildhall Ghost Stories Tour event this autumn. On October 21 and 22, the historic location is inviting groups to embark on a captivating journey to hear tales of paranormal phenomena and captivating folklore within the atmospheric building. Walking in the footsteps of historical figures such as Mary [...]
On Saturday 6 July the spectacular Battle Proms Picnic Concert brings a summer celebration of uplifting music from the New English Concert Orchestra, plus breath-taking aerial and pyrotechnic displays for their nineteenth annual performance at Blenheim Palace. The musical delights start in the afternoon with the harmonies of the Battle Proms Belles warming up the [...]
Newly-joined CTA member CN Live Productions, is promoting The Great Big Christmas Show at Bedworth Civic Hall on 7 December 2024. The show is a professional variety production featuring an amazing mixture of talented performers and acts that will blow you away and get you nicely into the festive spirit. The Great Big Christmas Show [...]
CTA is very sad to report that Janet Scutt of Viewfinder Tours died on Saturday 23 March 2024 after a short illness. Janet's husband Michael says that her passing was very quick and unexpected as she had been diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer only on 1 March and had been having chemotherapy. Michael Scutt [...]
Join CTA at BTTS as we host a networking event on the show’s opening day, Wednesday 20 March, at Birmingham’s NEC. The CTA drinks reception starts at 1500hrs on the opening afternoon of BTTS within the main hall. Complimentary refreshments will be provided to CTA members. CTA is a BTTS Partner and has a stand [...]
Over 40 CTA operator and wholesaler members participated on the CTA Paris Fam Trip, courtesy of CroisiEurope. The group discovered the opportunities of the CroisiEurope fleet, including several vessels, as well as the locations, itineraries, accommodation, and food and drink on offer to groups. CTA members were also guided on a tour of Paris, experiencing [...]
Edwards, based in Llantrisant, South Wales, has launched a coach hire booking portal to increase the ease and speed of travel arrangements for group organisers. The new My Coach Manager portal from Edwards is accessed after a booking has been made. The new portal enables customers to conveniently handle all their coach bookings and requests [...]
Visit Isle of Man has announced that it saw a positive surge in figures achieved in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of travel and tourism. In 2023, Visit Isle of Man recorded that the Island welcomed 318,000 visitors who contributed £183.2m revenue in visitor spend, exceeding targets by 18,000 and £21.8m respectively. [...]
The museum dedicated to the life and works of the city’s most famous band have put the ‘acorns for peace’ on display - with a remarkable backstory. Yoko Ono recounted how, on 15 June 1968, along with John Lennon, the couple planted two acorns for peace at Coventry Cathedral - the first of many Peace [...]
Blenheim Palace is marking 150 years since the birth of Sir Winston Churchill. The estate is celebrating his extraordinary life with an exciting line-up of events including weekly Churchill at Blenheim tours, VIP tours of the Palace State Rooms, Churchill exhibition and Private Apartments, as well as a tour to Churchill’s grave. Churchill at Blenheim [...]
A New Kensington Palace exhibition uncovers the forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal palaces over three hundred years ago. Untold Lives: A Palace at Work, has opened at Kensington Palace, telling the stories of the servants and courtiers who looked after the royal family and their homes. From pages to cooks, from [...]
Shakespeare North Playhouse, located in Prescot, Liverpool, is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built "Cockpit" theatre outside London. Awarded the Theatre Building of The Year 2023 prize at The Stage Awards, the venue can be configured in two formations: end-on, and in-the-round. Built entirely during the pandemic thanks to public funds and donations, the [...]
The popular TV drama Vera and author Ann Cleeves, who wrote the book series, were awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at February’s North East England Tourism Awards. The hit crime drama, now in its 13th series, was awarded the title for the positive impact it has had on the region, thanks to filming [...]
Excursions, the UK’s original and longest running one-day group travel show, took place in January and attracted almost 1,000 visitors from the group travel trade. The Wembley Stadium event celebrated Excursions’ 50th anniversary show. The show brought together GTOs, coach operators, tour operators, and itinerary planners with destinations, attractions, venues, cruise companies, ticketing agencies, hotels, [...]
This year the Bodleian Libraries is relaunching its groups offer and is working with attractions and hotels across Oxford to create a memorable experience. The Bodleian Libraries, or ‘the Bod’ as it is affectionately known by the students who study in the space, is the academic heart of Oxford and the central University library, dating [...]
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury reopens from 20 March, and with a host of events for Spring and Summer, the house kicks off with an exciting new exhibition for art lovers. Over 350 years since they were created, five paintings by the renowned Baroque painter Guercino are displayed together for the first time in this new exhibition, [...]
The Three Counties Food and Drink Festival, held at the Three Counties Showground at Malvern, Worcestershire, returns on 27 and 28 July 2024. The festival has announced the initial line-up of talented chefs who will be serving up their repertoire of recipes in the 500-seat cookery theatre, which is accessible to all ticket holders. Rachel [...]
A stunning historical treasure in the West Midlands is giving visitors the chance to marvel at two of Europe's most remarkable tapestries and uncover centuries of captivating history. Situated in the vibrant heart of Coventry's Cathedral Quarter, St Mary's Guildhall is inviting guests to embark on a journey through seven centuries of rich history with [...]
Strawberry Field, the interactive visitor exhibition and place of John Lennon’s childhood, has won the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. Strawberry Field is a visitor attraction in Liverpool, located at the iconic site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles' hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. Telling the story [...]
CTA is hosting a networking event on the opening day of the British Travel & Tourism Show (BTTS), 20 March, NEC, and is welcoming all members. The CTA drinks reception starts at 1500hrs on the opening afternoon of BTTS within the main hall. Complimentary refreshments will be provided to CTA members. CTA, which is a [...]
Featuring within CTA’s 2024 Conference, County Durham has announced various updates for groups in 2024. At Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, the Remaking Beamish development continues. The opening of a Georgian tavern and pottery is planned, alongside a 1950s cinema, toy shop and electrical store. Meanwhile, at Auckland Castle, which featured on the [...]
The Heights of Abraham, claimed to be Derbyshire’s oldest visitor attraction, has announced that 2024 will be “A year of light and colour” as the destination celebrates 40 years of cable car flights and 50 years since the current owners took over the stewardship of the hilltop estate. The cable cars have now restarted with [...]
Throughout 2024, The Royal Collection Trust is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle, the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the world. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was built between 1921 and 1924 as a gift from the nation to Queen Mary following the First World War. It is [...]
Betws-y-Coed’s The Swallow Falls Inn, owned by The Inn Collection Group, is set to reopen after long-term closures. Located close to the spectacular waterfall of the same name on the Afon Llugwy, The Swallow Falls Inn will undergo a full and extensive refurbishment to bring it back to life. Plans include a new bar and [...]
VisitScotland Connect 2024, VisitScotland’s flagship travel trade event, is taking place on 17-18 April 2024 at P&J Live in Aberdeen. The event will include two days of pre-scheduled, one-to-one workshop appointments, plus an optional fam trip. Ideal for operators and wholesalers, attending VisitScotland Connect can help to plan your Scottish coach tours, or enhance your [...]
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) features 10 centres around the British Isles offering groups a look at wetland birds and wildlife. In 2024, groups can benefit from 15% discount on admission as well as talks and guided tours. Sites also offer accessibility. Each site promotes conservation, as well as opportunities for activities including photography, [...]
New CTA member Premier Holidays is an award-winning tour operator, specialising in group departures around the UK. In particular, the independent operator has many years’ experience organising travel and events to the Channel Islands, and can offer tailor-made itineraries for groups. Premier Holidays provides a wide range of accommodation, up to 5 star hotels. All [...]
Kynren, a performance based on an epic tale of England, will take place every Saturday night from 27 July to 14 September, located just outside Bishop Auckland, County Durham. The historical show is a multi-award winning production featuring a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew, performed on a gigantic 7.5-acre stage. The show travels through 2000 [...]
Tourism Northern Ireland’s upcoming trade workshop, Meet the Buyer, will be hosted on the 9 and 10 of April in the ICC Belfast with 14 GB travel trade members attending. Meet the Buyer will be followed by Meitheal, which is hosted by Failte Ireland, and taking place on the 11 and 12 of April at [...]
New for 2024, The Coronation Street Experience introduces a mid-week travel trade offer. Ideal for groups, the visit gives travel trade customers sole access to the Coronation Street Visitor Centre and Exhibition. Groups can also try Weatherfield inspired Northern bites in either Roy's Rolls or the Rovers Return replica sets, dependent on group size and [...]
Cunard’s newest cruise ship Queen Anne will visit Liverpool on Monday 3 June 2024, which groups can watch from a Mersey Ferry. A Cunard visit always plays a significant role in Liverpool’s cruise season, as the first Cunard sailing departed Liverpool in 1840 and the city was home to their Head Office for nearly 130 [...]
In 2024, Tatton Park in Cheshire is celebrating 150 years of Maurice Egerton, the last owner of Tatton, and his remarkable legacy as a pioneer aviator, intrepid traveller, and a man of great inventive skill. The location is presenting two new Mansion exhibitions where visitors can learn more about Maurice Egerton and get up close [...]
More than 200 delegates attended CTA's annual Conference & Workshop last weekend in Newcastle. This included 20 new members who attended the event for the first time. The CTA Conference & Workshop 2024 took place from 28-30 January. Based at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead hotel, the weekend also included fam trips around the North East. [...]
CTA Spring Networking will take place on Sunday 19 and Monday 20 May in Oxford. Located at a coach-friendly hotel, the weekend will include a Fam trip to Blenheim Palace. Delegates will enjoy a light lunch at Blenheim Palace, as well as entry to the estate’s biggest ever exhibition, Icons of British Fashion. Blue Badge [...]
The Towergate Travel team has successfully assisted many travel companies, tour operators and cruise companies to secure new and larger bond requirements over the last 24 months. A key area of activity has been assisting travel companies trying to release much-needed cash flow and working capital back to their P&L by replacing bank held bonds [...]
CTA will once again host an annual networking get together on the opening day of the British Travel & Tourism Show (BTTS), 20 March, NEC. With over 250 destinations, attractions and group-friendly hotels for you to discover there is no shortage of inspiration, and exhibitors will be on hand to help you create the perfect [...]
CTA member Johnsons Coaches is trialing a fully electric Zeelo zero-emission coach. The 50-passenger coach features front and centre passenger doors on the near side, with a centre door and floor section designed to fit a slot-in wheelchair lift. The vehicle’s electric drive line and control system are identical to those used in the E10, [...]
As it approaches its centenary year in 2025, Edwards Coaches is due to take delivery of ten Van Hool Altano vehicles in June 2024 for use on the National Express network. The new high capacity vehicles represent a significant investment of around £4.8million in fleet renewal. Edwards has also committed to purchasing 68 tri-axle Caetano [...]
Ashley & Newey has announced a change in ownership following a successful management take-over by former Business Manager Shaun Read. The transition opens a new chapter for the wholesaler as it continues to provide high-quality holidays and innovative packages to coach operators across the UK. Ashley Booth, former Managing Director, retires having spent 35 years [...]
Dudley’s Black Country Living Museum, which recently became a CTA member, is inviting coach groups to experience 300 years of industrial and social history from the heart of the Midlands, tracing from the Industrial revolution to post-war prosperity. Groups can experience over 26 acres complete with recreated and rebuilt shops, homes, and industrial workshops, brought [...]
New CTA member Lomond Leisure Group is a family business with restaurants and bars in Central Scotland, focusing on hospitality, sustainability, environment, and character. The company has a portfolio of properties in Glasgow and Edinburgh and operates management contracts for clients in Loch Tay. Lomond Leisure Group is welcoming coach groups in 2024 to its [...]
VisitAberdeenshire has launched a new travel trade website that showcases travel trade-ready products in an easy and searchable format. The website includes dedicated accommodation pages, plus a transport section, along with other helpful aspects specifically for the travel trade. The new website can be reached at travel-trade.visitabdn.com/ and includes the MYABDN itinerary builder, enabling operators [...]
Hever Castle, Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, will unveil the Boleyn Apartment on the first floor of the castle on Monday 25 March to give visitors a unique and immersive experience of Tudor history. The apartment, the only surviving suite of rooms in the world that the Boleyn family definitely occupied, is being [...]
Shipbuilder Cammell Laird is set to build a new Mersey ferry at the firm’s Birkenhead shipyard. The agreement follows a year of negotiations between the city’s Combined Authority and Cammell Laird. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, who was joined by engineering apprentices as he signed the contract, pledged that the multimillion-pound project will [...]
