During these strange and difficult times I have been proud to see how our incredible team has met the challenge of keeping readers informed and entertained, while supporting the group tourism industry.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have worked hard to continue to bring high quality content to our readers through the print magazine, website and newsletters. We were, and continue to be, determined to support our readers and the people and companies who work in our amazing group tourism industry.

Plus, I truly believe during this period we have created some of our best ever content, and we have particularly used our website to provide even more, keeping up to date with the latest developments that specifically affect group travel organisers and the travel trade. In fact, our weekly email newsletter is being read by more people than ever. If you do not already receive it, you can subscribe for free by using the box at the bottom of this page.

We were, and continue to be, determined to meet our obligations.

We started by creating content about how the coronavirus was affecting travel and tourism, as well as how to stay connected with your group. Then we covered how attractions and companies were working to welcome groups back with new safety measures.

Our We Welcome Groups mark and listings page helped to let people know where was welcoming groups as tourism opened up, and I am sure will help once it does so again. We definitely plan to re-start this intiative at the appropriate time

Our editorial team was pleased to feature how groups got out there again last year, from day trips to a holiday to Italy no less. It’s was wonderful to hear.

We also appreciate the feedback we have received too, it is truly valued.

It was interesting to see the results of our Reader Survey which confirmed that group trips and holidays are usually planned way in advance. So, we look to the rest of 2021 and into 2022 with cautious optimism. 

The Group Leisure & Travel Awards ceremony could not take place as a physical event in 2020 so we adapted to create a successful virtual ceremony which was broadcast through this website and has been viewed over a thousand times. This year’s ceremony will once again be presented virtually and further enhanced with new ideas and technologies. This will be broadcast via the GLT Awards website on 28th October.

I am also pleased to say that the Group Leisure & Travel Show is still planned as a physical in-person event and I cannot wait to be back at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 7th October.

We’re here to help you stay connected, to enjoy thinking about future plans, and to have the right information so you can do so with confidence when possible.

Remember, in addition to the print magazine you can read each issue digitally by viewing the e-magazine. Not only that, but the past year’s archive of issues is also available. This is always online at groupleisureandtravel.com/emag.

I hope you continue to enjoy and benefit from our content and thank you for your ongoing support.

Here’s to ‘the Roadmap’ staying on track and to groups enjoying trips and experiences together again.

Rob Yandell
Publisher, Group Leisure & Travel