Successful group travel show sparks new ideas and connections

The annual exhibition has closed its doors for another year, with new group trips and holidays generated, fresh ideas taken away, and important contacts made.

Some of the UK’s most active group travel organisers attended, as well as coach operators looking to build programmes for the months ahead and into 2024 and beyond.

The 5th October was this year’s key date at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes when the best of the travel trade showcased what they can offer. Exhibitors included hotel groups, ticket providers, cruise lines, historic attractions, tourist boards and tour operators. 

The show also delighted visitors with an excellent line-up of guest speakers in the Seminar Theatre. Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill was making her first appearance at the event and she gave an insight into some of the best gardens to visit for every season.

“I would say Group Leisure & Travel is the leading trade magazine for groups, and I think it’s because of that, that it has a loyal readership which means you get the right type of people visiting the GLT Show.”

Florence Wallace, Great West Way®

Frances was followed by GLT Show regular, Simon Calder who shared what happens behind the scenes as he juggles newspaper and magazine deadlines with his position as the go-to expert for TV and radio for insight and breaking news.

The Seminar Theatre programme was completed by Watchdog, Rogue Traders and The One Show presenter Matt Allwright who answered questions and shared top advice about how to avoid scams and staying safe on your travels.

Competitions galore

There were many other highlights for visitors to enjoy from, competitions to win holidays and theatre visits, to plenty of giveaways and tasty treats. 

Over on the Group Leisure & Travel Magazine stand, readers could enjoy a delicious free ice cream, while those who spoke with the Ambassador Cruise Line team were in with a chance of winning a free ship tour and lunch for the whole group.

There was plenty happening on the Visit Leicester stand as visitors signed up to either win tickets to the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Great Central Railway or even an iconic pork pie-making session in Melton Mowbray. 

Other top prizes on the day included a luxury hamper from Continuum Attractions, a tour with Afternoon Tea included at Belvoir Castle and free tickets to Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival.

Show organiser Sharon Yandell said: “Once again the Group Leisure & Travel Show has provided a range of new ideas for GTOs and coach operators, thanks to the variety of exhibitors on show. Nothing beats talking to someone face-to-face.

“We pride ourselves on offering a fantastic visitor experience and it was great to speak to so many happy visitors and exhibitors. I can’t wait to hear about some of the amazing trips that will come out of today’s event.”

What did visitors and exhibitors have to say?

Mike Herring, who organises trips for Kings Cliffe Old Blokes Club, said: “We absolutely love military and war history visits as a group, and thought we had done every museum possible. However, we found out about the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum at today’s GLT Show which I had never heard of and that’s what it’s all about, finding new ideas and planning memorable trips for everyone.”

First time exhibitor Ambassador Cruise Line described their experience as incredible, with business development manager Alan Rennie adding: “It’s been amazing, and in the build up to the event, I would say about half of the conversations I had with group organisers were about if I would be at the event, which gave me full confidence and it’s certainly delivered - it’s been lovely putting a face to the name.”

Head of Travel Trade for Great West Way®, Florence Wallace, said: “I would say Group Leisure & Travel is the leading trade magazine for groups, and I think it’s because of that, that it has a loyal readership which means you get the right type of people visiting the GLT Show for us exhibitors.”

Pauline Johnson, Hinckley Social Theatre & Travel Club, said: “We sat down with tour operator Norman Allen Group Travel first thing this morning and we’ve virtually sorted three big holidays and itineraries up until 2025.

“It was the perfect opportunity to brainstorm ideas together in person - the GLT Show is a great place to ask questions to the right people instead of always going back and forth on emails.”

GTO Marian Hannaford, Witney U3A, said: “We’ve had a wonderful day, everyone is so polite and we’ve found loads of ideas which is exactly why we came,” while Andrew Moss of the Oxford NHS Retirement Fellowship said “It’s been a day full of surprises.”