Group Leisure & Travel Show 2026: it was another brilliant day for group travel

Visitors from across the UK came to Arena MK, Milton Keynes, to explore a wide range of exhibitors, discovering new destinations, attractions, accommodation providers and travel experiences to help shape future group trips and tours.

Throughout the day, exhibitors reported strong levels of engagement, with valuable conversations taking place with GTOs and coach tour operators responsible for organising group travel.

The exhibition floor was bustling as visitors took advantage of the opportunity to meet people who really understand groups, to gather ideas and make new contacts as well as catching up with existing suppliers. 

“We’ve met some amazing customers, potential customers, but also really good friends of Brooklands Museum.”

Anthony Nigliazzo-Master, Brooklands Museum

GTO Sue Povey (Out and About with Sue) said she found it particularly useful to speak to suppliers that she already had bookings with as well as pick up new ideas. She added: “I think it’s an amazing show, it’s really buzzing with lots of people and it’s a great venue too. I’d recommend the GLT Show to organisers and suppliers.”

Another group travel organiser Gwen Wright (The Arts Society Cranleigh) said: “I’ve picked up some new ideas and contacts that I’ll definitely be following up so I’m really pleased that I made the effort. It’s great to have these personal contacts and we also really enjoyed Simon Calder’s session.”

Three insightful talks in the Seminar Theatre

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of seminar sessions and guest speakers once again proved popular with attendees, offering insight, entertainment and practical takeaways for those involved in planning and promoting group travel experiences.

Opening the day was a Q&A session with TV presenter and explorer Paul Rose who talked about what first inspired his passion for travel and adventure and shared some of his favourite destinations including the Lake District and Yorkshire. 

Travel expert Simon Calder spoke about ‘2027 and Beyond’, looking ahead to the places and experiences for groups to have on their radar, including some big anniversaries and openings.

“I think it’s an amazing show, it’s really buzzing with lots of people and it’s a great venue too.”

Group travel organiser Sue Povey (Out and About with Sue)

And rounding off a successful day was Eric Knowles (Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow) who shared some of his top historic venues for group visits across the UK. Three GLT readers also had the chance to meet Eric and have an item valued by him.  

Exhibitor prizes and quirky finds

There were some fantastic giveaways and competitions from a range of exhibitors throughout the day. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience invited visitors to enter their competition to win a drinks package for a group visit while A-ROSA River Cruises offered one lucky winner a river cruise. 

Many visitors and exhibitors visited the Group Leisure & Travel stand for a delicious free ice-cream and there was a range of prize draws on the Heritage in Britain stand including winning an afternoon tea or annual pass at Blenheim Palace. And over on the Annandale Distillery stand, the team were handing out free samples of their award-winning Storyman Whisky. 

Anthony Nigliazzo-Master from Brooklands Museum, said: “We’ve met some amazing customers, potential customers, but also really good friends of Brooklands Museum. So it’s been a really successful day. We’ve definitely improved on last year, we’re looking at a 25% increase on really positive leads from 2025.”

Georgina Shaw at Hatfield Park said: “We come every year because it’s such a good opportunity to meet the people we are looking for. Some people we see every year and it’s nice to see them again and we’ve also met some new people.”

Great atmosphere and brilliant feedback

Sharon Yandell, sales director for the GLT Show, said: “The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic. The show continues to demonstrate just how important face-to-face events remain for the group travel sector, bringing together organisers and suppliers in an environment that’s both productive and enjoyable.”

Media sales executive for the event, Lisa Milton added: “We’ve received some excellent feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike, with many highlighting the quality of conversations and the opportunities created during the event. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many new connections being made.

“I’m pleased to say that a large number of exhibitors have already booked again for 2027.”

Exhibitors praised the calibre of visitors attending the show, while group organisers and coach tour operators appreciated the chance to discover fresh ideas and meet a diverse range of travel and leisure suppliers in one convenient location.

As planning begins for next year’s show, organisers have thanked everyone who attended, exhibited and supported the event, helping make the 2026 presentation another memorable occasion for the group travel community.