The British Tourism & Travel Show 2018 – a preview of what’s in store

The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to the NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March 2018. Here’s a preview of what’s in store at the largest domestic tourism showcase of the year.

Valued at around £127 billion, the domestic tourism sector is continuing to grow and prosper. From its vibrant cities and historic towns, to beautiful countryside and rugged coastlines, the UK and Ireland’s tourism product has been called ‘the envy of the world’. And the British Tourism & Travel Show’s eclectic menu of exhibitors for 2018 – including over 250 leading visitor attractions, venues, destinations, hotels, transport providers, associations and DMOs – certainly offers its 2,600+ visitors plenty of choice for their customers.

The show will once again be welcoming pavilions and exhibitors from Tourism Ireland, Visit Wales and Visit Scotland, representing the length and breadth of the British Isles. Big name brands preparing to showcase their latest attractions, tour and corporate packages include: World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Manchester City Football Club, Action Tours Limited, Up at the O2, Lake District Estates, Poole Attractions Group, York’s Chocolate Street, River Escapes, Cotswolds Tourism, The Royal Mint, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, The Phoenix Artist Club, The Emmerdale Village Tour, The Canterbury Tales, Roadchef Motorways, Berrys Coaches (Taunton) Limited, Riviera Bournemouth, Enjoy Tees Valley, Marriott Hotels, London Stadium, and Chester Zoo.

Big name Keynotes

It’s not just the exhibitors at British Tourism & Travel Show that promises to draw in the crowds. The show’s extensive free Keynote programme is renowned for attracting ‘inspirational’ big names discussing the key issues, opportunities and hot topics facing the domestic tourism sector today.

Award-winning broadcast journalist, writer and presenter Angela Rippon CBE has been confirmed to host a headline keynote session at the British Tourism & Travel Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March 2018.

Angela Rippon has been a familiar face and legendary voice in British broadcasting for over 50 years. Starting her career presenting radio and television news in South West England, she soon became the first female journalist permanently to present BBC One’s Nine O’clock News in 1975.

Since then she has embraced a variety of programmes across radio and television, from news and current affairs, to quiz shows and magazines. Popular titles include: Come Dancing, Top Gear, the Antiques Roadshow, Masterteam, Crufts Championship, The Holiday Programme, Rip-Off Britain, Holiday Hit Squad, How to Stay Young, and The One Show.

Rippon will be talking about her colourful career in her session titled ‘Around the World in 50 years’ at The British Tourism & Travel Show 2018 – taking place on Thursday 22 March at 1pm, in the Keynote Theatre.

Other speakers to join the line-up include: Google’s industry head of travel, Ruairidh Roberts; Andy Headington, CEO of digital marketing agency Adido; Max Sinclair, founder of Ecocompanion; Justin East, director of innovation at Merlin Entertainments; and the return of the popular panel discussions with the AGTO and the ALVA.

New – Destination Europe

Building on its success and responding to the industry’s growth; the show has launched a new Destination Europe area, which will appeal to key decision makers who plan and book itineraries for both international and domestic tourists. It will feature diverse attractions, destinations and hotels across Europe, including ETOA, Visit Brussels, Worldwide Attractions, Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck, Puy du Fou, Chateau du Rivau, Berliner Fernsehturm, DDR Museum, CityCircle Berlin, Dutch Cruise Line, ITO Tours, Lovers Canal Cruises, plus many more.

Group Travel Organiser day

This nationally recognised event shines a light on these important individuals who work tirelessly to create exciting and engaging itineraries for the groups that they serve. This celebration, taking place on the second day of the show (22 March) offers visiting GTO’s free parking*, free coach transfers* to the NEC from selected departure destinations (in conjunction with Steve Reed Tourism), a free meeting planner, and a range of dedicated seminars. Highlights include the Association of Group Travel Organisers panel session – kicking off the day with a lively debate into current issues and challenges effecting GTOs. *To apply for free parking and transfers, please contact Ruth Ayahudin on rayahudin@divcom.co.uk or 01273 645147.

In addition, the show has launched the national search for the Group Travel Organiser of the year, celebrating the truly special individuals who show commitment and passion in building the perfect itinerary or day out. Voted by the industry, the award will be presented at the show, on GTO day.

Free trade registration now open

“Major trade shows are the lifeblood of the tourism industry and the British Tourism & Travel Show is the flagship event in the annual calendar,” says Chris Wales, chief executive of Coach Tourism Association.

“An excellent show with a good variety of exhibitors; we were able to get some great ideas for planning our 2018 programme of day visits. The ease of getting around, plus the enthusiasm of the exhibitors was particularly helpful,” says Douglas Spencer, group tours organiser at Matlock Travel Society.

For further information and to register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk.