The GLTS 2016 opens at the NEC Birmingham

After a year of preparations and planning the 20^th annual Group Leisure & Travel Show is underway at the NEC Birmingham.

The day started with early-bird visitors tucking into their free bacon butties before heading to the exhibition’s aisles to chat to experts from some of the biggest names in group travel.

Destinations, accommodation providers, tour operators, attractions, stately homes, cruise companies, shopping centres and coach companies are all out in force, with stands on the exhibition floor.

Amongst stand holders, big names include See Tickets, Resorts World Birmingham, HF Holidays, Best Western Hotels, Ascot, Jet2.com and the National Trust.

Visitors to the show also have the chance to meet a range of first-time exhibitors today. These include Bluebell Railway, King Richard III in Leicester, and tour2cruise.

What’s more, attendees will have the chance to watch sessions in the Seminar Theatre which is open to everyone.

The line-up includes talks and Q&As by famous faces like Alexis Conran, Eric Knowles, Julie Peasgood and Martin Roberts. The best bit is, all sessions are free to attend.

Plus, there will be show-only deals to take advantage of and a range of big-money competitions to take part in.

Event organiser Emma Cash said; “The show got off to a great start. There’s a really positive atmosphere in Hall 8 of the NEC, not least because of the celebratory feel that’s being inspired by the 20^th anniversary of the event.

“Exhibitors and visitors are having meaningful conversations and there’s a lot of fun going on – people are even playing skittles at one of the stands.”

For more information about the Group Leisure & Travel Show visit www.grouptravelshow.com.