Nearly 200 exhibitors showcase attractions at Group Leisure & Travel Show 2025

With yet more exhibitors at this year’s show, there were nearly 200 companies represented, all types of attractions, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, DMOs / tourist boards, events, theatres and more, actively engaged with visitors. 

As ever, the annual Group Leisure & Travel Show at Arena MK provided the perfect opportunity for group travel organisers and coach tour operators to make bookings, network with a cross section of the travel trade, and get expert help and discover ideas for trip planning.

“This is my third show now and the quality year on year is increasing and the conversations are getting much more in-depth, much more interesting and as a result we’re getting much more business from it all.”

Alan Rennie, Ambassador Cruise Line

Visitors travelled to Milton Keynes from across the country representing all types of groups including social clubs, community associations, special interest groups, retirement groups, coach tour operators and as usual, the event welcomed a variety of people organising day trips, short breaks, holidays and overseas trips for friends, family, work colleagues and their group members. 

Group travel organiser Joyce Cook, Basingstoke & Old Basing U3A, said: “I like this show so much because it’s easy to get around and everyone is so friendly. I always find something new; somewhere I haven’t been before. I’ve really enjoyed it and I think as a venue, it’s excellent.”

Enjoying talks from celebrity speakers

As well as the exhibitor highlights, visitors were also inspired by the three guest speakers in the free Seminar Theatre. First up was travel journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder, who made a welcome return to inspire groups with ideas for trips overseas. 

The line-up was completed by Antiques Roadshow’s Mark Smith who shared his experiences of battlefield tours while Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost focussed on some of his favourite gardens to visit in the UK. 

Meeting the speakers for book signings and a medal valuation

Two lucky visitors won a prize draw to meet Mark and Adam after their seminar sessions, having their photo taken and a book signed. Pete Bickers, a GTO for West Bletchley Community Association, won the chance to have a private valuation with Mark Smith, while Wendy Thirlwell from the Buckinghamshire Trefoil Guild was delighted to meet Adam Frost. 

Wendy said: “It was lovely to meet Adam and now I have his fantastic book and some ideas for my garden too. This was my first time at the GLT Show and it was great talking to so many different people. 

“It has been lovely - the catering has been great. I went to all the seminars and the speakers were all very interesting.”

On the Group Leisure & Travel stand, readers were able to meet the team from the magazine, which celebrates 30 years of success this year, and enjoy a free, delicious ice cream. 

“I like this show so much because it’s easy to get around and everyone is so friendly. I always find something new; somewhere I haven’t been before. I’ve really enjoyed it and I think as a venue, it’s excellent.”

Group travel organiser Joyce Cook, Basingstoke & Old Basing U3A

GLT publisher, Rob Yandell commented: “I have been hosting the Seminar Theatre today and it has been great to see visitors enjoying the sessions from our fantastic speakers. I’ve also enjoyed meeting GLT Magazine readers and advertisers and hearing their thoughts about what we do.” 

Giveaways and competition prizes won

Exhibitors gave away some exciting prizes to visitors along with freebies and discounts. Exhibitor Just for Groups!, which made a welcome return to the show this year, gave a lucky winner £100 worth of gift vouchers while visitors at the Heritage in Britain stand had the chance to win tickets to the likes of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Transport Museum. 

There were some fantastic destinations showcased throughout the day too, not least The Great Sussex Way stand including the Weald & Downland Living Museum which had a competition to win a pair of tickets to visit. 

“I am absolutely delighted with the success of the 2025 show - it has been a room full of inspired group travel organisers and coach operators plus many satisfied and happy exhibitors, a winning combination.” 

Show director Graham Yandell MBE 

Alfa Travel & Leisureplex asked visitors to name their cuddly Alfa Driver bear, to take him home, while the Yorkshire Wildlife Park gave away an overnight stay at Hex Wildlife Hotel with entry to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and behind-the-scenes animal experiences. 

The Royal Mint Experience & A Welsh Coal Mine Experience had special teddy bears that visitors could win. Business development manager of The Royal Mint Experience, Paul Brandwood said: “We’ve covered the cost of the stand with three bookings we’ve had today.

“This is our fourth year at the show and it’s so important for us to keep the brand in front of people - we know if we don’t come to the GLT Show, we’re going to lose those sales.”

Very positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors

Alan Rennie, business development manager for groups at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “It has been excellent. This is my third show now and the quality year on year is increasing and the conversations are getting much more in-depth, much more interesting and as a result we’re getting much more business from it all.

“It has been really well organised; very busy but still felt spacious which I’ve really enjoyed this year.”

There were a number of first-time exhibitors at the show too. Premier Holidays was one of them and they had lots of enquiries from group organisers about the destinations they arrange trips to.

“It has been a lovely day - the catering has been great. I went to all the seminars and the speakers were all very interesting.”

Wendy Thirlwell, Buckinghamshire Trefoil Guild

Director Mark Godfrey said: “It has been a really positive experience for us today, we’ve had a steady flow of people all day long, a huge variety of people and it has been great to network with other suppliers too.”

Ensuring high standards for a successful show

Show director Graham Yandell MBE said: “I am absolutely delighted with the success of the 2025 show - it has been a room full of inspired group travel organisers and coach operators plus many satisfied and happy exhibitors, a winning combination. 

“Our team work so hard all year to ensure that we offer the highest of standards at the exhibition, organising a memorable and useful event for everyone. This year is no exception; the feedback has been very positive and we pride ourselves on creating a brilliant experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

“Visitors are attracted by the show’s unique content so my thanks go to the exhibitors who have helped create a fun and vibrant event that allowed people to discover ideas and offers, with many going home having found something new and exciting.

“Our venue at Milton Keynes continues to provide a great location for this premier event.”