Coach Tourism Association
Coach Tourism Association
CTA Partners VisitScotland2024-01-23T06:57:44+00:00

CTA Partner – VisitScotland

CTA contacts:

Elise Compagnon

Useful info:

VisitScotland’s main aim is to contribute to the advancement of Scottish tourism by giving it a real presence in the domestic and global marketplace and benefiting the whole of Scotland. We work closely with the tourism industry in the UK and internationally, sharing the latest news and research and supporting with personalised recommendations to give your clients the best possible experience.

VisitScotland also aims to play a leading role towards becoming a responsible tourism destination for the 21st century and contributing to Scotland’s drive to NetZero. VisitScotland’s approach to responsible tourism focuses on four priority areas:

  • Supporting Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy
  • Ensuring tourism and events in Scotland are inclusive
  • Ensuring tourism and events contribute to thriving communities
  • Supporting the protection and considerate enjoyment of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage

It recognises that Scotland’s environment, society and culture are what sets us apart as a destination and what makes a visit to Scotland so special.

Coach operators are important to Scottish tourism because of the consistent volume of visitors they bring year-round and we value our collaboration with the CTA and its members.

Whether it be slower travel, travelling year-round or to locations right across Scotland, we hope to offer suggestions to encourage your clients to travel more sustainably and be inspired by unique and remarkable experiences as well as our breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant culture and iconic traditions.

Latest Scotland News:

Select a category below or scroll down to see a listing of CTA Members who are promoting Scotland

ATTRACTIONS
HOTELS
WHOLESALERS & OPERATORS
PARTNERS & TOURIST BODIES

attractions

ATTRACTIONS

Continuum Attractions


www.continuumattractions.com
01904 527708

Live the story at Continuum Attractions, where fascinating stories are brought to life in unforgettable ways. Witness the drama at Emmerdale The Tour, ascend the 170 metre tall Emirates Spinnaker Tower, discover Edinburgh’s underground history at The Real Mary King’s Close, immerse yourself in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, discover 1000 years of Oxford’s history at Oxford Castle Unlocked or learn how chocolate made history at York’s Chocolate Story.

Devil’s Porridge Museum

01461 700021

A 5-star museum just off the A75, 15 mins from Carlisle. The incredible story of the women munitions workers that helped win WW1 is revealed as well as personal stories of WW2, up to the Cold War. Admission for groups from £4 pp. Free guided presentation. Café. Free coach parking. Booking essential.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery

www.dewars.com
01887 822013

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Highland Perthshire

The Aberfeldy Distillery is located on the banks of the river Tay three miles from the birthplace of our founder, John Dewar, and is the only distillery built by the Dewar family.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery offers guided tours for groups throughout the year. Tours can be tailored to suit your groups needs and requirements.

Pre-booked coaches are welcome at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
Situated 20 minutes from the A9.
Coach park available for 2 mini buses / 1 full size bus.
Free refreshments for drivers.
Free tour for group leader.
Audio guides for the heritage centre / distillery tour leaflets available in 9 languages.

Floors Castle

www.floorscastle.com
01573 223 333

Floors Castle is Scotland’s largest inhabited castle, a magnificent William Adam creation standing in spectacular parklands on the outskirts of Kelso, in the Scottish Borders.  Home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, from the grand Ballroom to the Bird room the interiors are filled with the fine art, furniture and artefacts passed through generations.  Outside, enjoy breath-taking views across the River Tweed to the Cheviot hills or explore the walled gardens and woodland walks. With two cafes to rest and refuel in, as well as the Castle Kitchen and gift shops, Floors is an unmissable stop on any UK tour.

Gretna Green

www.gretnagreen.com
01461 338441

Romance, scandal, intrigue… whisky, cashmere, golf… One of Scotland’s most compelling historical tales marries with the best of ‘Made in Scotland’. This famous village on the Scottish border is a popular place to visit… famous for runaway weddings, it also makes a great place to stop while travelling north or south. The story of Gretna Green unfolds in a fascinating exhibition where group visitors can also be entertained as they take part in a traditional Gretna Green wedding! A collection of clothing, accessories, giftware, luxury foods and whiskies have been gathered from the best in Scottish manufacturers. Our Whisky House is also the first place in Scotland to sample some of our rarest malts. The 250 cover Old Smithy Restaurant offers meals any time of day. Special facilities for coaches and open all year round.

National Trust For Scotland

www.nts.org.uk
0131 243 9304

Enjoy the best of Scotland with the National Trust for Scotland. With over 90 of the top historic attractions across the country including the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Culzean Castle, Glencoe, Culloden Battlefield, Inverewe & Threave Gardens, all NTS properties in Glasgow and Edinburgh and many sites on Scotland’s famous Castle Trail, the Trust offers an unrivalled Scottish experience for your customers. Many properties are 4 and 5 star visitor attractions with tearooms/restaurants, gift shops and coach parking. Contact our Travel Trade team for more information about Flexible Discover Tickets, central booking and invoicing.

New Lanark World Heritage Site

www.newlanark.org
01555 661345

New Lanark World Heritage Site is the perfect destination for your group’s outing. The heart of New Lanark is a living and working village which is situated in an outstanding location by the majestic Falls of Clyde. There are activities for all ages to enjoy including the many attractions of the award winning Visitor Centre, beautiful woodland walks and a programme of Events & Exhibitions throughout the year. Groups can make the most of their visit to New Lanark with a variety of eating, shopping and overnight options.

Perth Museum releases group rates

Perth Museum, the new £26.5m redevelopment of a historic building in the centre of Perth City, has released its travel trade rates and guide.

A popular feature on the recent CTA Winter Networking event, The Perth Museum invites visitors to explore Scotland’s past and its connection to the wider world through its display of exceptional objects representing natural history, social history, and world cultures.

The museum’s showcase exhibit is the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, one of Scotland and the UK’s most significant historical objects. The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy and kingdom, and is still used to crown kings and queens of the United Kingdom today, most recently King Charles III in May 2023.

The museum is also home to various exhibits important to Scotland’s past. New for 2026, this will include the last letter written by Mary, Queen of Scots, scripted on 8 February 1587 just before her execution at Fotheringhay Castle. The museum also features an exciting programme of experiences groups, including private guided tours of the museum and the Stone outside normal opening hours.

To download the guide, visit here.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

www.rbge.org.uk
07776 164 107

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is world renowned for its horticultural excellence in over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Nestled in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck Botanic Garden is home to one of Scotland’s finest arboreta including some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees. In Dumfries & Galloway lies Logan Botanic Garden which is warmed by the Gulf Stream, helping to create an exotic plant paradise. Surrounded by dramatic scenery in Argyll lies Benmore Botanic Garden; a magnificent mountainside Garden with a world-famous collection of plants. Together they represent one of the world’s largest living collections of plants. All four Gardens welcome groups and a range of tours and refreshment opportunities are on offer at reduced rates.

Scone Palace

www.scone-palace.co.uk
01738 554929

Rich in Scottish History

There can be few places of interest in Scotland as historically potent as Scone Palace. When you visit the Palace you are walking in the footsteps of Scotland’s ancient founding fathers, both pagan and Christian. It was an important religious gathering place of the Picts, it was the site of an early Christian church and it housed the Stone of Destiny.

VisitScotland presents Springtime in Scotland’s gardens

VisitScotland has prepared a portfolio of trade-ready garden experiences that showcase Scotland’s gardening excellence and heritage, ideally suited to coach groups.

The listing of gardens includes the classic, from Backhouse Rossie Estate Walled Garden near Auchtermuchty in Fife, through to the more unusual, such as The Japanese Garden at Cowden (Sha Raku En), Clackmannanshire.

On the Isle of Bute, Mount Stuart spans 300 acres and blends Victorian design with globally significant collections, while Spring brings rhododendron and magnolia displays across woodlands that run to the sea shore.

Other noted entries include The National Trust for Scotland’s Inverewe Garden & Estate. Located on a peninsula above Loch Ewe, Inverewe is a garden of experimentation where the warming Gulf Stream allows exotic plants to flourish in one of Scotland’s most northerly corners. Visitors can look up at California redwoods, and join wildlife boat trips from the garden jetty in season.

Read VisitScotland’s Springtime in Scotland’s gardens article here.

hotels

HOTELS

Accor Hotels

www.accorhotels.com
020 8237 8800

As part of one of the largest hotel groups – with over 4,000 properties in 90 countries – Accor Hospitality offers an unparalleled range of destinations and brands to suit all your travel requirements.

 

The Group’s hotel operations include complementary brands -from luxury to budget – that are recognized and appreciated around the world for their service quality: Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio and Ibis

Almarose Hotels

www.almarosehotels.com
07741 325452

Almarose Hotels & Resorts are an independent hotel management company who own and operate an award-winning portfolio of 21 four star properties throughout the UK. Locations include Oxford, Cambridge and Cheltenham trading under Hilton, Mercure and Marriott brands. With over 2,800 bedrooms and 220 meeting rooms, the portfolio also includes 18 spas and 5 championship golf courses. Some hotels hide away in the most beautiful countryside, some preside over bustling city centres, but each has its own individual character – ensuring guests enjoy a truly unique experience.

Best Western Hotels

www.bestwestern.co.uk
0844 387 6400

With over 220 group friendly hotels in Great Britain, Best Western has something for everyone with country retreats, city centre locations, seaside breaks, each hotel with their own story to tell. Our dedicated groups team will assist in finding the perfect hotel for your group.

Cairn Hotel Group

www.cairnhotelgroup.com
07918 151 256

The Cairn Group are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience in delivering exceptional customer service across our diverse range of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Our professional team are well versed in creating tailor made solutions, so whether you’re looking to place a tour series or a small ad hoc group, Cairn Group will ensure that your request is dealt with in a timely and professional manner.

With 33 hotels in great cities and locations from Aberdeen’s far north to the South coast of Brighton we have a hotel to suit your group needs perfectly.

Classic Britain Hotel Consortium

www.classicbritain.com
01357 529129

Classic Britain for Groups, represents over 250 Group orientated hotels. Recognised as being the specialist for providing well-researched and inspirational packages across the UK. We work closely with our member hotels, carrying-out regular inspections means we know all of our hotels inside out. We offer the best rate and supply you with easy solutions for product and hotels by making use of our experienced and friendly team.

Coast and Country Hotel Collection

www.bespokehotels.com
07725 464515

The only common factors here are great service, a flair for hospitality and recognition that our guests will be treated as individuals.  Each of our properties is tailored throughout to enhance its essential character whilst meeting the needs of your discerning groups.

Bespoke Hotels has grown to represent over 90 properties, and stands as the UK’s Largest Independent Hotel Group. Founded in 2000 by Haydn Fentum and Robin Sheppard, Bespoke has consistently grown to now manage over 8,000 hotel rooms from Georgian seaside hotels, to city centre boutique hotels, but all with individuality and a passion for hospitality.

You can now find Bespoke Hotels across the UK, from Bermondsey to Blackpool, from Carnoustie to Cornwall and Weymouth to Windermere.  We look forward to welcoming your group to a  Bespoke Hotel.

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels

www.crieffhydrofamily.com
01764 651837

At Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, we make it easy to organise inspiring group tours of Scotland. Your guests enjoy the individuality of a local hotel, with the high standards of a national group. And you get expert support and seamless booking.

Each hotel is part of the Crieff Hydro family – offering the level of service to the trade that comes with many years of experience. All your clients have to do is sit back and enjoy the views.

Dalata Hotel Group

www.dalatahotelgroup.com
07540 243353

Dalata was founded in June 2007 by Pat McCann, who acquired a group of companies from Choice Hotels Ireland and in 2008 rebranded its leased hotels under its own Maldron Hotels brand. Since then, Dalata has built a centralised management team with expertise across all areas of the hotel business. Dalata now operate the Maldron Hotel brand and Clayton Hotel brand throughout Ireland & the UK, as well as managing a portfolio of Partner Hotels.

Interstate Hotels

www.jupiterhotels.co.uk
0161 234 6062

Operating 31 UK hotels under the Mercure and Holiday Inn brands, as well as 2 independent hotels. Jupiter Hotels is the perfect partner for your leisure needs.

Our property portfolio includes 3- & 4-star country houses, city centre and seaside locations, all ideal locations when touring the UK. From the Mercure Inverness nestled in the Scottish Highlands right down to our newly refurbished Mercure Brighton Seafront hotel, we really do cover the length of the UK.

Our group friendly hotels offer competitive tour group rates, scrumptious meal stop packages for those groups who just need to stop for Lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. We also a fantastic range of festive packages for your Christmas and New Year needs.

We also offer FIT rates for the sole travellers so, if you’re looking for freesale rates or access to a dynamic connection to some the beautiful & iconic properties in UK please do get in touch.

Whatever your needs Jupiter Hotels is the perfect partner for all your leisure needs.

Jurys Inn Group


www.jurysinns.com
01923 422777

Staying at a Jurys Inn, you’ll be right in the heart of the city, with great sightseeing, shopping, cultural attractions and nightlife all on your doorstep. All hotels have bedrooms with both double and single beds, or doubles with sofa beds. Ideal for up to 3 adults or families and include large comfortable beds and spacious bathroom with toiletries as well as air-conditioning, high speed internet access, multi-channel TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee tray. As most Jurys Inns are located within walking distance of main train or bus stations, getting to and from a Jurys Inn couldn’t be easier.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

0344 879 9210

With over 30 locations across, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts offers a unique collection of hotels & resorts in the UK’s most enviable locations, each with a distinctive identity. From dramatic loch-sides and peaceful woodland walks to stylish city centres steeped in history; each of our hotel locations offer an individual charm and character.

One of the things that sets Macdonald Hotels & Resorts apart is our dedication to serving only the highest quality food, using the finest seasonal ingredients and sourcing the best produce available to us.

With 19 spas across the UK, you will discover a haven of sheer indulgence and therapeutic luxury. From a relaxing oasis on Loch Ard, to 5-star luxury in Bath, whichever spa you choose to visit you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Plus, state-of-the-art leisure clubs and 7 celebrated golf courses across the UK, you really will find it all at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

Marriott Hotels Ltd

www.marriott.co.uk
07785 995342

Winner of the AA Hotel Group Of The Year 2010-2011 Marriott offers you a choice of nearly 60 hotels across the UK and Ireland including 11 Hotel & Country Clubs set in hundreds of acres of parkland. Each hotel is conveniently located for you to explore the local area and all that it has to offer – from Portsmouth to Aberdeen and Dublin to Norwich Following a multi million pound refurbishment programme our hotels are looking better than ever and offer well appointed spacious bedrooms featuring internet and one of the best TV entertainment systems in Europe, complimentary leisure clubs including indoor heated swimming pools, a choice of dining options and, of course, Marriott’s world renowned hospitality. For more information visit marriott.co.uk or visit our stand and ask about the Marriott Group Guarantee.

RBH Hotels UK

www.rbhmanagement.com
07771 333669

RBH Hotels UK is the UK’s leading hotel management company. RBH Hotels UK develop and manage properties across the UK offering a diverse collection of branded and independent hotels. We work in partnership with five of the most prestigious international hotel brands, including Hilton, IHG, Accor, Wyndham and Marriott. RBH Hotels UK offer both new, contemporary style hotels and more traditional places to stay. Our destinations include city centre hotels and many popular leisure locations.

Strathmore Hotels

www.strathmorehotels.com
01355 266886

Strathmore Hotels is an established group of 8 hotels of individual charm and character. Our hotels are in popular tourist destinations in the UK; Perth – Salutation Hotel, Fort William – Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club and Alexandra Hotel, Oban – Royal Hotel, Inverness-shire – Nethybridge Hotel, Glasgow – Buchanan Hotel, Harrogate – Cairn Hotel, Lake District – Cumbria Grand Hotel. With over 30 years of experience in the group travel industry we offer a professional and friendly service. We offer special incentives for groups, 1 free place for a group of 20 or more, contact us for more details. Our sister company, Strathmore Travel, offer great value coach inclusive holidays for individuals and groups.

wholesalers

WHOLESALERS & OPERATORS

Action Tours

www.actiontours.co.uk
01952 462462

Action Tours has established itself as a leading specialist wholesaler for group travel to the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Europe. Punching well above its weight in a very competitive industry, this Shropshire-based company now has 25 years experience in providing inventive and affordable tailor-made holidays for groups.

Albatross Travel Group

www.albatrosstravel.com
01732 879191

The Albatross Travel Group are the UK’s largest wholesaler, offering Coach Operators a wide variety of top destinations at the lowest rates. Handling around 3000 groups per year and employing over 70 full-time staff, Albatross still retains its “small company” attitude to doing business with its supplier and client partners.

Part of the Albatross Group, Albatross London is a wholesale tour operator specialising in providing a complete range of inclusive packages and tailor-made tours for groups in London, including accommodation, theatre, attractions, guides, restaurants, exhibitions and events. Call or email for a quote for day trips or packages including hotel. Call 0203 667 7420

Ashley & Newey


www.ashleynewey.co.uk
01325 389567

Our small team develops innovative programmes for coach holidays and supplies itineraries based at quality hotels across the UK, to match the requirements of each individual operator’s profile.  Our prices include all aspects of the holiday package with multiple hotel allocations enabling us to offer excellent value for an excellent product. Driver packs contain detailed advisory notes on every route and destination we feature. Around the clock support is provided in the event of any unforeseen problems. Our clients find us easy to work with because the whole package comes as one operators said ‘oven ready’

Greatdays Travel Group


www.greatdays.co.uk
0161 928 9966

Greatdays Travel Group is one of the leading ‘group travel’ tour wholesalers in the UK for both incoming and outgoing tourism serving Great Britain, Europe and Worldwide destinations. Founded over 25 years ago we remain a family owned business, providing an efficient, personal and friendly service with over 40 employees all with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Travel industry. With a ‘Can Do’ attitude towards our clients, suppliers and peers and are winners of the UK Coach Awards 2013 for both ‘Tour Wholesale Provider’ and ‘Coach Passenger Service Provider’. In 2012 we won the Coach Tourism Award for ‘Tour Wholesale Provider’.

Norman Allen Group Travel

www.group-travel.com
01432 277666

Founded in 1972, Norman Allen Group Travel (NAGT) is a family owned and managed company. Our activities exclusively involve group travel and we are dedicated to providing quality British, Irish, European and Worldwide tours by coach and by air.

Our offices are in Herefordshire, one of England’s most unspoilt and scenic counties. Here our friendly teams offer a wide portfolio of tours and considerable knowledge and experience.

Our high level of repeat custom is testament to our many satisfied clients. Visit our testimonials page and discover what our clients say about us.

If you would like to find out more about NAGT and how we might work together please do not hesitate to contact us.

partners

PARTNERS & TOURIST BODIES

South of Scotland Destination Alliance


www.ssdalliance.com
07833 518819

The South of Scotland has shaped the nation’s history and culture for centuries, the borderland where Scotland truly starts.

Exploring the rolling hills and rugged picturesque coastlines of the Scottish Border, you realise this region is defined as much by its landscape as it is by its spellbinding abbeys, fascinating heritage sites, awe-inspiring stately homes and castles and the time-honoured and truly unique Common Ridings.

Dumfries & Galloway with its rocky shores and sandy beaches, its large forests and green spaces invites visitors to take a deep breath, to explore the lands and the dark sky, natural habitats and communities at a quiet pace.

Within easy reach from the North of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow this region is for the adventure seeker, the foodie, the history fan, the stargazer and those who simply like to take a deep breath away from the crowds.

The SSDA is the industry led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation for the South of Scotland. We are dedicated to assisting tour operators with information, advice and marketing collateral to build tourism programmes in the region – giving visitors a slower-paced experience of Scotland.

Visit Moray Speyside


www.visitmorayspeyside.com
01309 678150

Moray Speyside nestles between the Highlands to the west, the Cairngorms National Park to the south and Aberdeenshire to the east. The region is served by the East Coast Mainline railway and by two international airports. The region is approximately 3 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow by road, making it the perfect base to explore and discover the best of Scotland.

Moray Speyside is Scotland’s Whisky Country, home to more than half of the country’s distilleries, including Macallan and Glenfiddich – Scotland’s first ever distillery visitor centre. The region also produces around a third of Scotland’s food and drink and counts international brands such as Walkers Shortbread and Baxters, among its producers.

The region is the perfect destination for lovers of wildlife; the crystal-clear waters of its coastline are award-winning and recognised by National Geographic as among the world’s best – its resident population of bottlenose dolphins are a year-round draw, and of course we have lots of Scottish Coos!

Moray Speyside has the UK’s darkest Dark Skies Park in Tomintoul, the Northern Lights, rolling hills, perfect white beaches and wild upland landscapes.

Visit Moray Speyside work with tourism businesses across the region to develop bespoke experiences and bookable products and with the travel trade to build new connections and business relationships.

VisitAberdeenshire


www.visitabdn.com
01224 900506

Situated in the north east of Scotland, Aberdeen and the surrounding area Aberdeenshire offer a truly authentic Scottish experience. A vibrant city, distilleries, castles, food and drink experiences, and stunning scenery await.

A wide range of group friendly accommodation is available, from budget city centre hotels to country house properties, all at very competitive rates. The destination lends itself well to both city plus and touring itineraries for coach groups of all sizes. Whether your clients are visiting one of our 263 castles, touring the late-medieval cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen, exploring Royal Deeside or our 165 mile coastline, visiting a working Highland cattle farm, or meeting a Scottish Laird, they can mix and match a range of experiences to make for an unforgettable trip.

VisitAberdeenshire offers you a range of complimentary services so we can share our local knowledge of the destination to help you plan unique and memorable experiences for your clients, including:

  • Itinerary planning and development
  • Sourcing quotes
  • Providing contacts for accommodation, attractions and restaurants
  • Use of the images and videos in the Media Room on our website
  • Familiarisation visits
  • A section of our website dedicated to the travel trade
  • Sales training (delivered remotely)

Any member can become a Partner and those that do will not only raise their business profile but help us expand the organisation.
Their additional support ensures the CTA has a stable and bright future.

CTA Partners

CTA Partner - DFDS Seaways
CTA Partner - Tourism Ireland
CTA Partner - VisitScotland
CTA Partner - Visit Wales

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