� IN FOCUS l BTTS 2018 Showbu David Maguire
The British Tourism & Travel Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC, offering the chance to hear from industry leaders and meet 250+ exhibitors. Samantha Mayling speaks to event director David Maguire
DID YOU KNOW
EXHIBITORS INCLUDE
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Manchester City Football Club, Lake District Estates, Poole Attractions Group, York’s Chocolate Street, Cotswolds Tourism, The Royal Mint, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, The Emmerdale Village Tour, The Canterbury Tales, Riviera Bournemouth, Enjoy Tees Valley,
Marriott Hotels and London Stadium. FEATURE AREAS
Region pavilions from Tourism Ireland, Visit Wales and Visit Scotland
MEETING AREA Keynote Theatre
16 TravelGBI | March 2018 D
escribed as THE event for the domestic tourism industry, the British Tourism & Travel Show
will again host top speakers, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of buyers. It takes place at Birmingham’s NEC
(March 21-22), with keynote speeches by bosses from giants such as Google and Merlin Entertainments. “It’s the biggest event for the domestic
market and our exhibitors cover the length and breadth of the British Isles,” said event director David Maguire. “There is nothing else like it for tour
operators, group travel organisers and tour planners, as it gives them so many ideas for their programmes for the upcoming year. “Tourists want a wider range of experiences so it’s crucial that destinations and attractions offer new places to visit, and new activities to try – and reasons to return to places they have been before. The numbers attending BTTS look strong again, and we’re aiming for 3,000-plus visitors.”
� New highlights He said there are more than 90 new stand-holders and stand-sharers, as the show has been more proactive in attracting different exhibitors. Highlights include Up at The O2; the
Land Rover Experience – Solihull; Chester Zoo; Cavern Club Magical Mystery Tours and Bodmin Jail.
It’s the biggest event for the domestic market and our exhibitors cover the length and breadth of the British Isles
New destinations include Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, Aberdeen, Blackpool and Worcestershire. “We are also welcoming Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park – Adam was a speaker last year so it’s good to see his attraction join us as an exhibitor,” said Maguire. “This year’s line-up of speakers is
exciting too, and very diverse. Justin from Merlin will have an entertaining presentation about new ideas; Ruairidh from Google will share key insights into digital marketing; Max will discuss eco- tourism in the UK; and Andy from Adido will look at trends affecting travel in the next few years.”
� Food trail Another new feature for 2018 is a food trail around 20-plus stands which will be featuring regional food and drink for visitors to sample. Offerings include fudge from Devon; chocolate from Wales; wine from Herefordshire and lots of gin – from Devon, Dartington, Cornwall, and Bombay Sapphire. GTOs will be at the show in force, as
March 22 is Group Travel Organiser Day, with dedicated seminars in the Keynote Theatre; free parking; and free coach transfers. A BTTS Group Travel Organiser Special
Recognition Award has been launched to find the best GTO in the country, and the
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