Group organisers and exhibitors from across the travel trade came together as the exhibition returned to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes with visitors walking away with ideas and inspiration.
The show, which always offers the perfect opportunity for group travel organisers to meet and speak to specialist exhibitors, returned to the Marshall Arena at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on 7th October.
Exhibitors eager to create great experiences for groups
Exhibitors ranged from destinations, accommodation providers, and tour operators, attractions, ticketing agencies, stately homes, cruise companies and shopping centres.
Many offered exclusive deals and giveaways, such as the opportunity to win a group tour of Aerospace Bristol, a holiday for two with InterChoice and a cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
Jamie Rudland of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines told us: “It’s been really busy, constant. We’ve had really solid enquiries. Everyone wants to get out and about again.”
“I think today has shown that there is still that pent up demand for group visits following the pandemic,” said Eric White from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Also exhibiting was Group Leisure & Travel who were offering complimentary ice creams on their stand and the opportunity to chat to the team behind the magazine.
The Seminar Theatre as popular as ever
Once again, the show delighted visitors with a celebrity line-up of guest speakers in the Seminar Theatre. Leading the talks was Flog It! presenter Paul Martin who gave an insight into some of Britain’s hidden heritage sites.
He was followed by wine critic Oz Clarke OBE who shared some of his favourite food and winery tours and places to visit in the UK and Europe. Travel writer and broadcaster Simon Calder made a welcome return to the show and his theme of Inspiring Journeys to Reinvigorate Travel was warmly received.
Simon Calder opened his talk by saying: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be here… travel is coming back to life.”
Visitors happy to be back
Despite the fuel problems group travel organisers from across the country came together for what is widely considered to be the key date in the group travel calendar. They came away with inspiration for at least another year of group trips and holidays.
Sheila Foster, tours organiser for Golden Riddy Residents Association said “I thought there might not be many exhibitors but there are. We’ve found some ideas for our next holidays as our group like to do two holidays a year. Everybody here is friendly and chatty and there is a good range and a variety of companies. I think there must be something for everybody here.”
“Everybody here is friendly and chatty and there is a good range and a variety of companies. I think there must be something for everybody here.”
Sheila Foster, Golden Riddy Residents Association
Marian Durbidge, organiser for Herts Theatre Club and Go Together Travel Club, said: “I’ve found the day very useful and had the chance to see lots of friendly faces after such a long time away.”
The GLT Show, which was postponed last year due to the pandemic, was confirmed as the preferred travel exhibition to visit by over half of those who took part in the Restarting Group Trips & Holidays survey earlier this year.
Next year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show
The 2022 exhibition will take place on Thursday 6th October at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes.
Stand bookings are now on sale. For more information and to secure your preferred position contact Sharon Yandell on 01908 613323 or email sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.
