Group travel organisers and tour operators from all over the country recently descended on the historic city of Salisbury on an informative familiarisation trip.
Organised by VisitWiltshire and its partners along with group travel company Steve Reed Tourism Ltd of Hampshire, the ‘Spotlight on Salisbury’ event highlighted a number of attractions ideal for groups.
Salisbury Cathedral greeted the tour planners and treated them to an in-depth tour of its many fascinating aspects including the work of the stonemasons, the Magna Carta and news of its Christmas Festival.
Mompesson House and Gardens, Arundells – the home of Sir Edward Heath – and the Salisbury Museum were all visited by the group.
Guests also saw the accommodation at Sarum College in Cathedral Close, plus visited Britford Farm Shop for lunch - an edge of town venue offering homemade food and a lunch-stop for groups.
To underline Salisbury’s heritage and appeal, Salisbury City Guide Penny May met the group at Salisbury Information Centre and took them on an informative tour of the city centre. They were able to see St Thomas’s Church, the newly developed Market Place and the picturesque riverside, where the artist Constable was inspired to paint his famous picture of the cathedral.
Some of the guests stayed overnight at various hotels and accommodation providers including Sarum College, The Red Lion Hotel and Cathedral Close B&B. They also dined in the restaurant of the Cathedral Hotel.
Lorna Gooding, media sales executive from Group Leisure and Travel magazine was in attendance. She said: “It was a super trip – I really enjoyed the cathedral in particular, where we saw the Stonemasons at work and could talk to them. The cloisters are also so impressive! Salisbury as a whole is a must for groups, with so much for everyone to enjoy.”
Florence Wallace, the travel trade and PR manager for VisitWiltshire, added: “We were delighted to have welcomed so many group travel organisers, trade press and trade professionals who have been able to experience the delights of Salisbury including ‘things to do, shopping and places to stay, eat and drink’.
“These familiarisation visits are important to ensure these organisers have first-hand experience of the area so they are well positioned to return with their groups on future visits or for tour operators to add to their itineraries.”
Find more inspiration for group travel in Salisbury by reading our recent article.
For more information on Salisbury visit www.visitsalisbury.co.uk
