GLT Show hits the spot again, says survey

This year’s annual exhibition took place at Arena MK (formerly called the Marshall Arena) in Milton Keynes on 3rd October, when group organisers and coach operators met with all types of attractions, tour companies, tourist boards, accommodation providers, cruise lines and more.

The results of the survey

What did the visitors surveyed say?

• 96% of visitors said their show experience was good or very good.
• 95% said their visit to the show gave them good ideas to help plan future group trips or holidays.
• 97% said they liked the Arena MK venue in Milton Keynes.
• 98% said they met the right type of exhibitor.

What did the exhibitors surveyed say?

• 91% said that the 2024 show produced good leads for groups business.
• 93% said they met the right type of people.
• 99% said they liked the Arena MK venue in Milton Keynes.

Many positive comments were received from visitors and exhibitors who attended the event.

Group organiser, Sandra McDonald of Tunbridge Wells U3A said: “I’ve had a fantastic show. There has been lots of good speakers and some brilliant people that I’ve spoken to. I’ve picked up rather a lot of brochures because I’m looking for inspiration for next September and I’ve found lots of ideas.”

Similarly, exhibitors enjoyed the experience and found great value in being there. 

“There has been plenty of faces to keep us occupied and quality enquiries from people who are genuinely interested in visiting Kent,” said Steph Harlow from Visit Kent. “We’ve talked about coming again next year as it’s been a great day.”

Alan Rennie from Ambassador Cruise Line said: “I was expecting to see the same people as last year, but that’s not been the case. There are lots of new folk that I don’t recognise, so it’s really, really positive. I love coming to the show, the day flies by. As soon as it finished last year, I knew I wanted to be in the same spot.”

Watch the highlights from the 2024 Group Leisure & Travel Show: with interviews from visitors, exhibitors and the speakers: Simon Calder, Paul Martin and Jilly Goolden.

Looking ahead to the 2025 GLT Show

A large number of stands have already been booked for next year’s show, with attractions, tour operators and suppliers from across the travel trade keen to secure their preferred position so that they can promote to GTOs and coach tour operators.

The 2025 Group Leisure & Travel Show will take place on Thursday 2nd October at the Arena MK (formerly known as the Marshall Arena) at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.