CTA delegates will enjoy a very warm welcome in Southern Wales for the 2022 Spring Networking event which is based at the brand new Mercure Newport hotel and generously sponsored by Visit Wales, supported by Tourism South Wales and Newport County Council.
The event kicks off with a reception at the Riverfront Theatre from midday on Sunday 22 May with a coach leaving for the Fam trip to some stunning local attractions at 1.30pm.
The Fam trip has been organised by Tourism South Wales and will be guided by Stephen Griffin, Griffin Guiding, who has been taking visitors around Wales for more than 20 years. Stephen is a passionate Welshman, with a love for the history and stories of Wales. His tours are filled with information and entertaining stories, and he loves to include the unexpected in his itineraries. He is currently the chair of Wales Official Tour Guides Association.
Fam itinerary:
13.30 – Depart and travel to Raglan Castle past the ICC and Coldra – where there are four hotels suitable for groups.
14.00 – Arrive Raglan Castle – the grandest castle ever built by a Welshman
14.35 – Depart – and travel to Usk – Drive around this Town of Flowers with its own private castle.
15.15 – Arrive Caerleon (park at the amphitheatre) – the Roman Legionary town of Isca – visit Baths, Legionary Museum, Amphitheatre and Barracks.
16.20 – Arrive Tredegar House – tour of gardens
17.00 – Depart – travel back via Newport Transporter Bridge (hopefully take a trip on the bridge)
17.45 – Arrive back at Mercure Hotel Newport.
The evening event back at the Mercure Hotel starts with drinks reception (hopefully on the outdoor terrace!) and including an Experiential Showcase (you get to try a sample!) by some fabulous producers – White Castle Vineyard, Wye Valley Meadery, Penderyn Distillery, Hensol Castle Distillery and Spirit of Wales. This is followed by a dinner with a specially themed dinner involving many tasty Welsh treats.
The Monday morning starts with the CTA AGM, followed by a presentation by David Anderson, director general, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. David has published widely on museums, cultural policy and cultural rights, as well as a UK government report on museums and learning, and two children’s books. At Amgueddfa Cymru, he has overseen the transformation of St Fagans Museum to become the National Museum of History for Wales, which won the Art Fund Museum of the Year Award in 2019, as well as the development of new programmes and research on the role of museums in society.
After the presentation, members get the opportunity to network at the Welsh Supplier Showcase which should provide some great contacts for those looking for new ideas for Welsh coach tours, including Royal Mint Experience, Blaenavon Heritage Railway and Llancaiach Fawr Manor.
The event concludes with a light lunch.
