Group travel organisers were able to gather inspiration from this year’s Southern Wales Showcase that took place in Wales National Velodrome from 29th to 31st January.
The Southern Wales Showcase – now in its third year – welcomed over 30 exhibitors who were on hand to provide travel and trip ideas to group travel organisers who attended the three-day event.
Arranged by Southern Wales Tourism, coordinated by UK travel trade specialists Steve Reed Tourism from Hampshire and working closely with the South Wales tourism industry, the event was all about generating new group bookings.
Making the most of the fam trip on offer that incorporated the travel exhibition, some of the visiting GTOS stayed for two nights at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor in Newport.
From that base they took in tours of the local area with Steve Griffin, a Blue Badge guide who looked after the group and answered questions on the tour.
Mainline Coaches was the transport provider for the group during their visit to South Wales.
The party also visited Penarth Pier Pavilion near Cardiff before a tour of the Wales Millennium Centre. Llancaiach Fawr Manor, a 16th century manor house near Caerphilly was also on the itinerary.
Group travel organisers went on to meet representatives from the tourism industry face to face at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport.
Here, attendees were able to do business with hotels, attractions and destinations from across the wider region.
The familiarisation trip ended the next day with visits to the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, the Six Bells Mining Memorial, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Mint Visitor Experience at Llantrisant.
Vicky Jones, the project manager at Southern Wales Tourism, said: “We were so happy to welcome visitors to South Wales so they could experience much of what we have to offer to groups and coach parties. Already bookings have been made – even during the event itself.”
For further information about upcoming events like this one, visit www.stevereedtourism.co.uk.
