Group Leisure & Travel the most read and trusted magazine, says survey

There are now many ways to find inspiration, discover new things and stay updated. GTOs have much more to choose from than when Group Leisure & Travel published its first edition in 1995. But their favourite and trusted magazine and media portfolio remains constant.

322 GTOs responded to the 2023 Organising Group Trips & Holidays survey. There was a good mix taking part, which included people who organise group trips and holidays for social clubs, special interest groups, retirement associations, U3A, friends, family and more.

You can see the full findings of the survey by clicking here.

GLT remains the most popular magazine for GTOs

87% of respondents said they read Group Leisure & Travel magazine on a regular basis, and 71% told us it was their most trusted and important source of information. 

GLT publisher, Rob Yandell said: “Research and insight from the groups market consistently ranks Group Leisure & Travel as the number one choice for active group travel organisers.

I’m really pleased to see that two of our annual publications are also ranking so well. Who’s Who in Group Leisure and the Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide are important parts of our overall offer and we know that GTOs use them throughout the year.” In fact, 84% of survey respondents said that they keep copies of magazines, guides, directories, etc to use for future reference.

The detail and how we ranked…

WE ASKED: What magazines or publications do you read or use on a regular basis to find ideas and advice for group trips and holidays? (select all that apply)

You said…

Group Leisure & Travel	87%
Who’s Who in Group Leisure	72%
Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide	54%
Group Travel World	18%
Coach Tours UK	5%
Group Travel Today	2%
Coach Touring	2%
The Blueprint Guide to Group Travel	11%
Discover Britain for Groups	6%
Other (please specify)	3%*

* answers included: AGTO Magazine and newsletters, leaflets and newspapers, The Times, web. 

WE ASKED: Which magazine or publication is your preferred reading choice? (select only one)

You said…

Group Leisure & Travel	71%
Who’s Who in Group Leisure	9%
Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide	7%
Group Travel World	4%
Coach Tours UK	1%
Group Travel Today	1%
Coach Touring	1%
The Blueprint Guide to Group Travel	2%
Discover Britain for Groups	2%
Other (please specify)	less than 1%*

“I’m really pleased to see that two of our annual publications are also ranking so well. Who’s Who in Group Leisure and the Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide are important parts of our overall offer and we know that GTOs use them throughout the year.”

Rob Yandell, publisher of Group Leisure & Travel

WE ASKED: When selecting or considering trips, visits, holidays or any form of group travel, which magazine or publication is your most trusted and important source of information? (select only one)

You said…

Group Leisure & Travel	71%
Who’s Who in Group Leisure	10%
Coaching Venues & Excursions Guide	7%
Group Travel World	4%
Coach Tours UK	1%
Group Travel Today	1%
Coach Touring	1%
The Blueprint Guide to Group Travel	2%
Discover Britain for Groups	2%
Other (please specify)	less than 1%*

What about the web?

There is more one way of enjoying content from Group Leisure & Travel. In addition to a print copy, you can also read the digital e-magazine online.

Online is important and the GLT team posts news, updates and features to the Group Leisure & Travel website throughout the week, every week. Plus, the editor’s pick of the best content is included in the weekly email newsletter. 

GLT has invested heavily in what it offers online, so whether you’re reading on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone, the experience is the best in the market.

WE ASKED: What websites do you visit or use to find ideas and advice for group trips and holidays? (select all that apply)

You said…

Group Leisure & Travel	66%
Group Travel World	19%
Coach Tours UK	7%
Group Travel Today	2%
Coach Touring	2%
The Blueprint Guide to Group Travel	9%
Discover Britain for Groups	5%
We Want Groups	7%
Other (please specify)	8%*
None of the above	7%

* answers included: venue-specific websites, tourist boards, TripAdvisor, AGTO, English Heritage, National Trust, supplier websites, hotel websites.

WE ASKED: Which website is your preferred reading choice? (select only one)

You said…

Group Leisure & Travel	58%
Group Travel World	9%
Coach Tours UK	4%
Group Travel Today	4%
Coach Touring	3%
The Blueprint Guide to Group Travel	6%
Discover Britain for Groups	2%
We Want Groups	2%
Other (please specify)	6%*
None of the above	6%

* answers included: tourist boards, TripAdvisor, hotel websites.

What did respondents say about the Group Leisure & Travel portfolio?

When we asked respondents to share their thoughts about Group Leisure & Travel and its portfolio, there were some really positive comments, such as: ‘an excellent resource which I always look forward to receiving’; and ‘the layout of the magazine draws you in to read fascinating and interesting articles, very rarely do I skip a page’.

‘Just the perfect magazine for everything I need. Why would I even bother to look anywhere else?’

2023 survey participant

Other comments included: ‘always a good read, particularly interested in what other group organisers have to say about venues they have taken groups to’; and ‘group organising is pleasurable but hard work. The Group Leisure & Travel magazine is a useful tool to fine tune and pinpoint the better places to visit.’ 

Editor, Keeley Rodgers said: “Getting such amazing feedback from readers has given the team a huge boost. We work hard to create the very best magazine, web content and media portfolio, so for GTOs to say such lovely things makes it all worthwhile. Thank you.” 

* The survey allowed participants to respond over a period between 15th March and 16th April 2023 and we had 322 genuine respondents. This was a survey for group travel organisers and anyone not meeting that criteria, or any ‘spam’ or ‘bots’ were filtered out and not included in the final results.