NEWS IN BRIEF


w Tourism Society appoints new executive director


Cheryl McCain has joined the Tourism Society as its new executive director. McCain replaces


Gregory Yeoman and brings more than 10 years of marketing and membership experience. She most recently held leadership positions at Signature Travel Network in Los Angeles, and the Women’s


Business Council in Dallas. ◗ The Tourism Society confirmed next year’s Tourism Symposium will


be in Blackpool (September 23-24). tourismsociety.org


w Excursions exhibitors tap into travel trends


A mountain biker in Snowdonia. Visit Wales road trips preview 2019 Snapgroup


w New app helps agents make group bookings


A mobile app has been developed to simplify group bookings for travel agents and tour operators. London-based Snapgroup


offers a full-service group travel organiser service for a flat fee of £9 for every group created. The app was created by a team of Israeli tourism entrepreneurs including chief executive Zohar Ohana. As well as the trade, Snapgroup


hopes its app will be used by human resources professionals planning work trips, extended families, organisers of stag and hen weekends, and managers of


school trips. snapgroup.co


w Tower Bridge hails its unsung historic heroes


Tower Bridge has unveiled a permanent ‘Two Towers’ display, exploring the human history of the bridge, as part of a longer-term plan to develop the attraction. Visitors will learn about head


diver Samuel Friend Penny, who led the team of divers including James ‘Ginger’ Bateman, who dug out the foundations for the


bridge. towerbridge.org.uk


travelgbi.com


Visit Wales will hold its annual tourism industry roadshows in September and October, looking at how the tourist board can work with the industry on the ‘Year of Discovery’ in 2019. It will also update businesses


about the digital integration of its tourism and business-facing


websites, and speakers will talk about content for travel articles working with Visit Wales. There will also be showcases of Welsh food and drink, and


free business advice. businesswales.gov.wales/tourism ◗ See pages 16-17 for more news from Wales.


Welsh tourism body’s role ‘critical’ after Brexit


The new chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance says links between education and the travel and tourism industry will be increasingly important after the UK leaves the European Union. Andrew Campbell said: “Looking ahead to the post-Brexit landscape, partnerships between education and industry will


assume an even greater importance, as concerns over labour supply and skill shortages heighten. “The WTA will therefore


Andrew Campbell


have a critical role to play in helping to address this


challenge, with a need to bring creative and innovative proposals concerning new educational


provision to the table.” wta.org.uk


Beach breaks bust stress, says research


A study reveals that a holiday to England’s coast could significantly enhance relationships and general sense of well-being. Research consultancy


BDRC and the National Coastal Tourism Academy found 80% of holidaymakers said a domestic seaside break had brought them closer together, while 78% agreed that the holiday reduced stress.


Samantha Richardson, NCTA


director, said: “This survey confirms that even when people


LONGLEAT SAFARI’S


are faced with a major life event like a milestone birthday or financial commitment such as a new kitchen, a holiday is the


top choice.” coastaltourismacademy.co.uk


FACT OF THE MONTH Did you know... The collective


noun for cheetah is a coalition


September 2018 | TravelGBI 9


w Tourism Ireland highlights Ireland’s Christian heritage


Tourism Ireland released a video which explores Ireland’s Christian heritage, to capitalise on the visit of Pope Francis in August. The film highlights sites such as


St Kevin’s 6th-century monastic settlement at Glendalough; the Book of Kells; and the trail of St Patrick through Armagh and Down, Skellig Michael (pictured)


and Rock of Cashel. tourismireland.com


Destinations and suppliers exhibiting at Excursions 2019 (January 29) are offering tours with ‘brag-ability’, say organisers of the group travel event in London. Fran Downton, senior marketing manager at organiser Tourism South East, said: “There is an increasing demand in the group travel market for experiential trips to deliver more innovative ideas and a more memorable experience. “Operators are looking for a


package with ‘brag-ability’, which


creates a more saleable product.” excursionsshow.com


© VisitBritain/Nadir Khan


©Tony West


©Alan Williams ©Failte Ireland


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