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British Travel Trade Fair Gets Fresh
British Travel Trade
Fair Gets Fresh
Everything you need to know about the centrepiece of British Tourism Week.
With “Fresh” as the theme for the 2008 British Travel Trade Fair (BTTF), it seems appropriate the event will see a host of brand new exhibitors bringing fresh ideas and inspiration for interesting group days out. Once again, it takes place at NEC Birmingham from 11 to 12 March, and it’s your chance to see over 300 suppliers of attractions, theatres, hotels, heritage sites, gardens and destinations throughout Britain.
Groups can expect to see Irish attractions and hotels exhibiting for the first time, including Abbey Court Hotel based in Nenagh County Tipperary; Saoire Failte, which specialise in tailor-made itineraries to north and west Ireland, and International Hotel - located in the very heart of the quaint and beautiful Killarney. Another first time exhibitor is Oceana Hotels, who provide unique sea front properties based in Bournemouth. Commenting on his decision to exhibit at the show, Kevin Brown, director of Oceana Hotels said: “We feel that BTTF is the show that produces the most leads for us in the group market, and is therefore the only show we will now exhibit at. It’s also a great networking opportunity and a great way of meeting group organisers face to face.” Returning for the first time in four years is Menzies Hotels, a privately owned company operating a unique portfolio of 23 distinctive hotels located throughout the UK.
Along with new attractions, groups will also see former exhibitors taking a fresh approach to the group trips they offer around the UK. The City of Liverpool will be promoting a new and improved programme of events for its year as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Sir Paul McCartney returns to his native city to headline The Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield Stadium on 1 June 2008, while fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr and the Eurhythmic’s Dave Stewart will head up Liverpool The Musical at the opening of the brand new Liverpool Echo Arena on 12 January 2008.
VisitBritain will also profile one of Britain’s greatest strengths through Liverpool’s celebrations as European Capital of Culture and the four year Cultural Olympiad, which begins as Beijing passes the torch to London ahead of the UK’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Also at BTTF this year, visitors can sample local delicacies and fresh food on a number of stands, and you will find plenty of exciting giveaways too. The Isle of Wight Tourism will give away 500 pots of garlic, and the chance to sample several mouth watering relishes, including Vampires Extreme, Cheeky Monkey and the ever popular Fig, Apple and Ginger chutney.
For further information about attending the British Travel Trade Fair you can visit
www.britishtraveltradefair.com