A new letter, written by Charles Dickens’ son, will soon be on display in Medway. Medway Council has confirmed that a letter written by the author’s first-born son, Charlie Dickens, has been donated to The Guildhall Museum in Rochester. The letter from the ‘Office of All the Year Round’ is dated 29 June 1870, the [...]
It's never too early to book a group visit with Tatton Park for Christmas. Whether you'd like to enjoy the festive decorations in the Mansion, take a stroll through the Winter Gardens, taste our delicious seasonal menus, or all of the above - Tatton Park is looking forward to welcoming your group for Christmas 2023. Every year [...]
Hever Castle & Gardens recorded its best ever visitor numbers in 2022 with a record breaking year. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn received 419,969 visitors last year, an increase of 8 per cent on the previous year. Visitors to the Castle were able to enjoy the first in a series of exhibitions detailing the [...]
The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 22-23 March 2023. Visitors are promised an electric atmosphere of exhibitors and like-minded visitors looking to book group trips and tours in the British Isles for the year ahead and beyond. The show brings together exhibitors showcasing around 250 group-friendly attractions, venues, destinations [...]
Southport has announced its key event dates for next year including the Flower Show (17-20 August), Air Show (9-10 July), Food & Drink Festival (2-4 June), British Musical Fireworks Championship (22-24 September) and Southport Comedy Festival (29 September - 15 October). After a year away, The Food and Drink Festival returns to Victoria Park in September. This free event is a [...]
Parrys International is holding its popular open day this coming Sunday 15 January from 11am until 3pm. There will be the usual trade stands from the UK and Europe, as well as a German wine producer, members of Wolverhampton Speedway and the UK Coach Rally coach of the year will be on display. There will [...]
Visit Exeter's latest update highlights the newly-opened Quayside Distillery as the perfect place to learn the art of gin making. Situated on Exeter’s historic quayside, the site incorporates a modern distillery offering tours where groups can learn about innovative distillation methods and sample the spirits made onsite. The gin school also allows groups to create and make their [...]
Westminster Abbey’s Hidden Highlights Tour offers a chance to explore behind the scenes of the Abbey on a guided tour of some areas not usually open to the public. The 75-minute tour visit areas of the Abbey not normally open to the public and visitors will see the lost medieval sacristy which was recently revealed during one [...]
Encore’s latest update on shows for groups in London highlights Mrs Doubtfire, A’int Too Proud and Abba Voyage. Direct from a sensational run up in Manchester — where it played to sold-out crowds and standing ovations — the new comedy musical Mrs Doubtfire is ready to dazzle and delight the West End from 12 May 2023. [...]
We are very sad to report the death of Joan Johnson of CTA member Johnsons Quality Coach Travel. Joan’s sons John and Peter Johnson have written the following tribute to their mother Joan: "John & I would like to announce to you all that our Mum and our inspiration, Joan Johnson, died peacefully in her [...]
The CTA Winter Networking event in Bournemouth drew a record attendance with more than 120 delegates enjoying the destination and the great hospitality at the Marsham Court Hotel. [See the report and photos here.] Bournemouth and Poole Council helped us put the event together and marketing officer Sarah Lawrence sent the following message to thank [...]
VisitAberdeenshire’s latest travel trade news features updates on Castle Fraser and the dining experience at Maryculter House Hotel. One of the largest tower houses in Scotland, Castle Fraser can be found in Aberdeenshire near the market town of Inverurie. The core of the castle dates back to the 1400s, with later additions making the castle [...]
A new exhibition at The Queen's Gallery in London, a new private tour of Queen Mary's Dolls' House for groups and a private talk on the life of Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle are among the latest updates from Royal Collection Trust. A digital version of its 2023 brochure is available here and to [...]
Lauren McSorley has been appointed as groups and tours sales manager at Vine Hotels. Lauren joins the sales team after being promoted from hotel manager at Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel, a hotel owned and managed by Vine Hotels. She will be developing the groups and tours strand of the business and will represent Vine [...]
The Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Zero Emission Coach Taskforce is calling for coach operators to help shape the future of zero carbon travel. The Taskforce (ZECT) has produced a survey in collaboration with the Department for Transport which will help shape a study that answers the crucial question ”What do the zero emission coaches of [...]
Forth Boat Tours, a family owned business and Edinburgh boating attraction, has added a new vessel, Queensferry Belle, to its fleet. Purchased from Sark in late 2021, she has undergone a significant refit with a new interior, saloon viewing roof and other additions. She joins her sister, the Forth Belle, and Forth Boat Tours heritage [...]
Shakespeare Distillery has been certified as Carbon Neutral after a full-scale carbon footprint assessment and off-setting programme. The independent artisan spirit producer is working to minimise its environmental impact and become a truly sustainable business. Over the summer months, with the support of the Warwick University Internship programme, the company employed a carbon footprint data [...]
Ashley & Newey has launched its 2024 tour programmes, including more than 200 UK tour programmes now available – with more being added weekly. New packages include destinations across England, Wales and Scotland, plus new for 2024 is Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ashley & Newey stresses that it provides full tour packages which include attractions, [...]
Mersey Ferries is raring to go with its 2023 Cruise Programmes which include full- or half-day excursions, or a shorter 50-minute sightseeing cruise. Its ferry terminals and vessels are fully accessible and once onboard, there is indoor and outdoor seating, accessible bathrooms and a servery selling refreshments. Among the trips on offer for 2023 are [...]
The life and work of renowned 19th-century naval surgeon and physician, Sir William Beatty, is being explored in all its fascinating and often grisly detail in a new exhibition at the Old Royal Naval College. Opening this November, Blood & Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty marks 200 years since Beatty took up the [...]
There are still some tickets left for the Christmas Concert on 20 December at Westminster Abbey. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols, the Choir of Westminster Abbey presents its annual Christmas Concert featuring a selection of much-loved festive choral works interspersed with seasonal readings telling the story of the Nativity and [...]
Salisbury Cathedral has published its 2023-24 prices which include a small increase in admission next year, and some adjustment to age categories to make ticketing simpler, particularly for language groups. Looking ahead to 2023, the Cathedral is in the process of updating its Magna Carta Exhibition in the Chapter House. During the pandemic the exhibition [...]
Historic Royal Palaces’ latest update features private experiences that are available for groups in 2023. For example, groups can go where no visitor has gone before in a Secrets of the Tower tour at the Tower of London. Get under the skin of this ancient fortress and discover the secrets that lurk beneath the surface. [...]
Bournemouth pulled out all the stops to welcome a record number of members for the CTA Winter Networking event on 20-21 November which was based at Marsham Court Hotel. More than 120 delegates took part with over 80 arriving early for a fabulous Fam trip put together by BCP Tourism and City Cruises with support [...]
Wales is playing at its first world cup for 64 years! This provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Wales as a distinct nation on a global stage, especially as it is in a group which also includes England and the USA. There will be a significant Cymru Wales nation brand campaign running throughout the tournament. [...]
VisitScotland is focused on rebuilding international and domestic tourism demand and is supporting Scotland’s ambitions to be a leading destination for responsible tourism. New for 2023 will be a ‘workshop style live event’ with 1-2-1 appointments with trade-ready Scottish suppliers across two days at the innovative P&J Live, plus a programme of fam trips showcasing businesses, including those [...]
New CTA member, The Great Tapestry of Scotland is Europe’s largest tapestry located in Galashiels, the historic textile heartland of the Scottish Borders and just 50 minutes from Edinburgh. One thousand stitchers created this masterpiece, telling the intensely moving narrative of Scotland. Housed in a purpose-built visitor centre and a five-star visitor attraction, it is [...]
CTA member Helmsley Walled Garden offers a treat if you love beautiful gardens and enjoy a stroll through gorgeous, herbaceous borders or themed feature gardens. Based in the North York Moors National Park, in the bustling market town of Helmsley, the Walled Garden a beautifully planted and fully accessible garden. Its 100m double herbaceous borders [...]
Now is the perfect time to get organised for Christmas, especially when it comes to Group Visits as tickets are selling out fast. It would be a pleasure to accommodate your group this Christmas, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any enquiries regarding our festive events. You can book via this email [...]
CroisiEurope Cruises was named 'Best Cruise Line' as voted for by Group Leisure & Travel magazine's readers. CroisiEurope is very grateful to all the GTOs who voted for them, and its tour operator partners for their support creating cruise inclusive group trips. CroisiEurope Cruises offers: • 55 prestigious river & ocean ships • Six elegant [...]
The latest VisitAberdeenshire travel trade product update features information from Inverurie Whisky Shop and Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The Inverurie Whisky Shop offers a range of whisky experiences suitable for groups, including tutored tastings and masterclasses. Offering Scotland's first accredited Scotch Whisky course, clients can spend the day learning to become Whisky Ambassadors. Gin tasting experiences [...]
Leeds Castle’s 2022 Christmas Lights Trail will run from 25 November to 1 January 2023. Groups must book a time slot which start from 16:15 with the last slot on most days being 20:00. The trail will be roughly 2.14km in length and a number of seasonal food and drink chalets serving hot, hand held food will [...]
UK artist Luke Jerram’s installation The Museum of the Moon is coming to the Old Royal Naval College this winter. As the nights draw in there’s no better time for Jerram’s illuminated installation to be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall from Monday 12 December 2022 to Sunday 5 February 2023, alongside a lunar-inspired season [...]
Over the next few weeks and following a multimillion investment plan, Marriott will be transitioning a number of its hotels into Delta Hotels by Marriott. All hotels have already undergone a signage change and refurbishment is progressing on a property-by-property basis. The hotels that have already transitioned are: Delta Hotels by Marriott Manchester Airport Delta Hotels by [...]
Visit Isle of Man is attending this year’s World Travel Market along with its partners Isle of Man Transport (Heritage Railways and Bus Vannin) and Manx National Heritage. Visit Isle of Man will be exhibiting as part of the UKinbound stand (UKI200) Attendance follows the recently-approved Visitor Economy Strategy 2022 – 2032 ‘Our Island, Our Future’ which lays out [...]
The Historic Dockyard Chatham has been awarded a prestigious Gold award from VisitEngland in the annual Attraction Accolades for the quality of its visitor experience. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust chief executive Richard Morsley says: “Along with our charitable objectives of “learning” and “preservation”, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust’s philosophy is excellence in all that we do. [...]
The Heights of Abraham has been awarded its sixth prestigious VisitEngland Gold Accolade for outstanding experience and quality amongst visitor attractions in England. In order to win a Gold Accolade, The Heights had to demonstrate excellence across a range of areas including visitor welcome, presentation of the attraction, cleanliness, guest experience, catering and retail, staff [...]
Eurotunnel will be releasing its fares and an annual Coach Calendar for 2023 in the coming days. Tracy Bayliss - Head of Coach will be attending World Travel Market, Excel London from 7-9 November 2022 on Stand EU1842 (shared with VisitWallonia.be) and would be delighted to meet with members. If you would like to set up a meeting with Tracy to discuss future [...]
This month it will be 70 years since the first UK singles chart was published by the New Musical Express in 1952, compiled by Percy Dickins and topped by Al Martino’s Here In My Heart. To mark this, the British Music Experience is partnering with the Official Charts Company to honour the UK’s chart-topping singles [...]
With CTA events at WTM and Bournemouth coming up, Ginette Goulston-Lincoln will be attending the networking events to discuss the benefits of taking your groups to Strawberry Field, Liverpool. Recently announced as the venue for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, Liverpool is the place to be. And Strawberry Field with its [...]
A new £500,000 Zero Emission Bus Market Transition Scheme (ScotZEB), administered by Energy Saving Trust and funded by Transport Scotland, aims to help organisations understand the steps required to replace their fleet with zero emission alternatives. This support will mean organisations are well positioned to apply for Scottish Zero Emission Bus Market Transition (ScotZEB) Phase [...]
CTA operators and wholesalers are invited to a Festive Showcase on the English Riviera organised by Devon's Top Attractions at the TLH Carlton Hotel Torquay from Mon 28 Nov to Fri 2 Dec. Looking for festive itinerary ideas? Join the Festive Showcase and find out what TLH Leisure Resort and the local attractions have to [...]
With its wide shopping boulevards, award-winning beach and coastline, spectacular gardens, magnificent pier, and world famous flower, food, air and firework festivals, Southport has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading group-friendly destinations, and Visit Southport has recently become a member of CTA. Groups can enjoy a walk along the pier or by [...]
The Southport Group Travel Day will take place on Monday 24 April 2023. Arranged by Visit Southport in conjunction with travel trade specialists Steve Reed Tourism, the event will feature a mini exhibition of local and regional attractions in the morning and the option of a highly enjoyable coach tour and FAM trip around some [...]
The new Tasting Rooms & Rum School is open for group visits at the Stratford-upon-Avon venue where The Shakespeare Distillery has recently hosted its first group event. Groups can enjoy a welcome gin & tonic followed by a guided tasting session of three spirits for £12.50 per person, with the 16th group member admitted free. [...]
Sarum Lights – Renaissance is running from 8 to 12 November at Salisbury Cathedral. The show features light projections and soundscapes including installations based on the Italian Renaissance masters. The show begins at 5.30pm each day, with images projected onto the cathedral’s west front, in the cloisters, as well as the main cathedral building, accompanied [...]
Manx National Heritage has 12 sites which will remain open until 29 November, including tours of one of the world’s best preserved medieval castles at Castletown, as well as The Great Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world. The Isle of Man Steam Railway will run a full schedule throughout October, additional weekend [...]
11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland has announced 2023 dates for Kynren, the outdoor theatre show about the past 2,000 years of history in the British Isles. Seven performances will take place on Saturdays from 29th July until 9th September 2023. The 90-minute family-friendly performance includes choreography, stunts, equestrianism, and special effects including pyrotechnics. 11 [...]
With the Festive season upon us, what better way to bring on the Christmas spirit than a visit to a Traditional German Christmas Markets. Moxy Hotels are ideally located across the UK within walking distance to the Christmas Markets. Why not enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a festive stein of ale, while shopping [...]
Themed with a big, bright and bold celebration of the Great British pantomime, the mansion state rooms at Tatton Park will take you on a journey through panto-land…. ‘Oh yes they will!’. Visitors will experience sensational sets and colourful characters - look out for the Panto Dame in the Staircase Hall and fly away to [...]
