GTOs and group travel providers got together in Ascot this week to network and share the latest group travel ideas and news.
Organised by Steve Reed Tourism Ltd in conjunction with official media partner Group Leisure, the Group Travel Marketplace event was held at the Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa.
The Marketplace started with a showcase of regional travel companies, who set up stands to display their latest products to visiting GTOs.
Described as ‘speed dating for the tourism industry’, the showcase featured big brands like Warner Leisure alongside other group favourites like Birdworld and Denbies Wine Estate. Northern Secrets even came all the way from Newcastle for the event.
'We had a real cross section of exhibitors from all over the country and some super buyers too,' said Steve Reed.
Once the showcase closed at 1.30pm GTOs took part in a fam trip. After taking an Epsom Coach to Windsor, group organisers boarded a French Brothers River Cruise, for cream tea and to take in the sights of Windsor.
The Marketplace was the first of three events that will take place in the UK in 2015 and 2016. The next event will be held on Monday 23rd November at Ena Mill Retail in Greater Manchester, where one of the main attractions of the day will be a chance to take in Coronation Street The Tour before it closes at the end of the year.
The third event will occur in Stratford upon Avon on Monday 21st March at the Royal Shakespeare Company, and will include a fam visit to Compton Verney House and Estate.
Anyone wishing to book a place at the next Group Travel Marketplace events should contact Steve Reed Tourism on 01420-560288 or e-mail steve@stevereedtourism.co.uk.
