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A top showcase

Here we have everything you need to know about the UK's largest travel exhibition -The British Travel Trade Fair.

Kick-off time for the BTTF

It’s almost that time of year again when the British Travel Trade Fair kicks off, and with The Pass as an official supporting publication, it’s one event you can’t afford to miss. The UK’s largest domestic travel exhibition takes place at NEC Birmingham from 13 to 14 March and is the centerpiece of the first ever British Tourism Week. BTTF is your chance to meet representatives from local, regional, and national tourist boards who’ll be able to provide information and advice about all sorts of days out and holidays in the UK. And with an array of seminars, debates and entertainment on offer, there’s everything your group will need to get planning for the year ahead. This year, exhibitors have been encouraged to showcase how their product exemplifies Britain’s reputation as a tourist destination, offering something new, different and innovative. With key stories highlighted through these themes, 2007 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Event organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions and show owners VisitBritain are expecting a huge interest – not least because HRH The Prince of Wales has agreed to become patron of British Tourism Week. Nearly 2,400 visitors attended BTTF in 2006, generating more than £30 millions’ worth of business. And event director Ann-Marie Meaney is confident that figure will be surpassed in 2007. ”We are all absolutely delighted with the results so far,” she says. “What is particularly gratifying this year is the geographical spread, with buyers flying in from emerging markets such as Russia and India, as well as from traditional source markets in Europe and North America.” This year’s show is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants, including more than 300 visitors from overseas. In light of this, group-travel organisers are being urged to resister online in advance to beat the rush. Those that do will also be entered into a prize drawer where 10 lucky winners will win a weekend break for two at a choice of unique De Vere Venue properties. “Although BTTF is a determinedly businesslike event, we felt there was no harm in injecting a little fun into the registration process,” says Paula Massey, the event’s marketing manager. Group travel organizers are once again being offered free coach travel to and from the NEC, and a dedicated groups lounge – sponsored by the Tussauds Group – is also present where you can network with other organisers. The coaches will operate from pick-up and drop-off points around the UK. To find out more contact them on the details below.
  t 08452 267542
•  www.britishtraveltradefaircom
 
 

In the heart of it

Leicestershire is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for group travel organisers, and with an array of things to see and do it’s easy to see why. Situated right at the heart of the country, it’s one of the easiest places to reach and offers a mix of exciting attractions, award-winning restaurants, and breathtaking views of the English countryside. Leicestershire is also known for its wealth of history and heritage, which is reflected in its large number of castles and historic buildings. You’ll also find Leicestershire Promotions representing the East Midlands at this year’s BTTF. Their stand will focus on four chosen topics: Literature Legends, City Culture, Houses and Gardens, and Market Towns.

t  01162 996666

•  www.goleicestershire.com /groups /groups

 

A royal affair

Groups visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will have plenty to see and do this year. Home to the Royal Navy, highlights for groups include The Royal Naval Museum, with a new special exhibition, Chasing Freedom: The Royal Navy and the Suppression of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (1807-2007), from 3 February, and Action Stations at the new interactive gallery InterAction, detailing the science and technology used by the modern Royal Navy. A new partnership with the University of Portsmouth will also enable groups to take advantage of premium priced single and double accommodation from 18 June to 16 September.

t  023 9283 9766.

 

All aboard

If you fancy stretching your legs at sea this summer, then leading ferry company Stena Line could be just what you’re after. Offering more routes and choice of craft to Ireland than any other company, they also offer direct day and night sailings from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Stena Line operate the Stena HSS – the world’s largest fast ferry – which sails on the Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire, Stranraer-Belfast routes. They also operate the Stena Express fast ferry on the Fishguard-Rosslare route. For more information on routes, services available, and rates, visit their BTTF stand or contact them on the info below.

t  08705 42 11 30

•  www.stenaline.co.uk 

 

Wild at heart

Bringing the serenity of the rainforest to the urban jungle, Gorilla Kingdom is London Zoo’s most significant project of the last 40 years. When it opens in Easter, visitors will be taken breathtakingly close to a colony of Western lowland gorillas in a natural and engaging environment. Significant thought has gone into the planting of the exhibit, providing the gorillas with plants and herbs they can crop off and eat as they would in the African forests. The exhibit provides the perfect opportunity to raise the conservation issues affecting gorillas and rainforests, and promises to be next year’s

most exciting tourist attraction in the capital. To find out more about London Zoo’s group rates, contact them on the details below or visit them on their website.

t  020 7449 6235

•  www.zsl.org

 

Just the ticket

Making life easier for groups, York Tourism has introduced a special ‘York Pass’. You can unlock the treasures of York with a one, two, or three day pass to the city, and discover over 2000 years of history, as well as the best in entertainment and arts. The pass also gives you free entry to 29 favourite attractions, offering great value and convenience in one easy to use package. As well as free entry to York attractions, there are also special offers such as discounts at restaurants, evening entertainment, and car hire.

•  www.yorkpass.com

 

Journey back in time

If you’re looking for a special day out with your group, then why not take a leisurely train ride along the beautiful Severn Valley Railway. Here, you can journey back in time as a vintage steam-hauled train meanders its way through unspoilt Worcestershire and Shropshire Countryside. This summer Severn also introduce The Engine House – a brand new attraction in the heart of the railway, which offers great enjoyment. Pre-booked groups of fifteen or more adults qualify for specially discounted prices. Group bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance of the date of travel.

t 01299 403816

•  www.svr.co.uk

 

The ultimate experience

Looking for inspiration? Then look no further than Nottinghamshire. From the poet Lord Byron, to the designer Paul Smith, Nottinghamshire has always taken centre stage for creativity. As one of the UK’s most stylish cities, it’s set within a county of outstanding natural beauty that includes Sherwood Forest, lively market towns, and wonderful historic buildings. It’s also home to the world’s best-loved outlaw, Robin Hood, and it’s only a 90-minute train ride from London. To find out more, visit Experience Nottinghamshire on the East Midlands stand at BTTF

• www.nottinghamgroups.com