Visitors, exhibitors and organisers of the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2016 are reporting a landmark year.
The 20th annual GLTS took place at the Birmingham NEC on Thursday 20th October.
The anniversary show was one of the biggest to date, and featured more than 200 exhibitors, as well as the largest coach display area in the exhibition’s history.
More than a thousand people attended and group travel organisers were able to meet and chat to exhibitors from destinations, accommodation providers, tour operators, attractions, stately homes, cruise companies and shopping centres.
Deals were done, dates were penned into diaries and GTOs walked away with inspiration for at least another year of group trips and holidays.
GTO Kath Oakley of Derek’s Tours commented: “The show really is the highlight of our year. I have been coming for the past 15 years and learn something new every time. We meet people, exchange ideas and I think it’s brilliant!”
The Seminar Theatre was a big hit yet again as four sessions took place throughout the course of the day. Sessions were led by antiques expert Eric Knowles, travel presenter Julie Peasgood, travel and lifestyle journalist Martin Roberts, and scam expert Alexis Conran.
GTO Sheila North from Houghton Regis Horticultural Society said: “I saw Alexis Conran – he was very good! The advice he gave about keeping yourself safe was amazing; he spoke about things I wouldn’t even think about normally, like people in hotels taking suitcases. He came across so well, and was very professional.”
Exhibitors, meanwhile, also felt the show was a huge success.
“We’ve had an amazing volume of people interested in booking with us and we’ve met a lot of groups that are interested in working with us in the future,” said Lisa Cook, sales manager for Drayton Manor Theme Park.
“We recognise that there was huge potential at the show for us to expand our group market. We’ve really had a lot of leads. People know Bridlington, but it’s been great to tell them different things about it,” Mark Lonsdale, marketing manager for Bridlington Spa, said.
Following the success of the 2016 event, GLTS organisers have reported that a number of exhibitors have already booked their stands for next year, when the show will move to a bigger hall.
The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017 will take place on 12th October next year.
Exhibition sales manager Sharon Yandell reflected: “This was the 20th anniversary show for the GLTS and I think the experience we’ve built up over the past two decades really shined through on the day.
“Exhibitors have already signed up to be there next year in order to secure their preferred options. In 2017 we’ll be in an even bigger hall; if anyone is interested in exhibiting, now’s the time to get the position they want, so call me on 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.”
For more information about the GLTS 2017 visit www.grouptravelshow.com.
Success stories from Group Leisure & Travel Show exhibitors and why the event in Milton Keynes is a great choice when it comes to meeting GTOs and coach tour operators.
The 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Show in Milton Keynes once again attracted lots of group organisers and coach operators keen for inspiration, offers and advice from an array of exhibitors.
Who’s exhibiting, how to get free parking, timings, free breakfast and lunch, and who’s speaking in the Seminar Theatre. Here’s the essential visitor info for the 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Show on 5th October in Milton Keynes.
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