Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays

Great for Groups 2012 has been launched to offer the UKs group travel organisers a fresh approach to travel trade exhibitions. Far removed from the tired format of other travel events in the UK, this promises to be the first truly interactive forum for group attractions.

The one-day exhibition will be set in the spectacular grandstand at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 28 April, bringing the best attractions in the UK together under one roof.

This is a great chance for GTOs to truly interact with the UK’s key attractions, which offer a vast selection of ideas for group trips, plus a chance to share travel views with the industry’s finest group travel destinations. There will also be the chance to walk away with some amazing prizes, which will be announced via the large plasma-screens in the Grandstand - so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open as you could be a winner.

The event is supported by the GTOA, Smartsave and The Pass. It also has some great attractions already onboard, including the River Cruise Line, Guildford Tourism, Cruise for Groups, The London Symphony Orchestra and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

There will also be a wide range of other exhibit for groups to visit including…
• Tailor-made tours/holidays
• Historic Buildings
• Sporting venues
• Hotels and Accommodation
• West End shows/Ticketing Agencies
• Gardens
• Music and Concerts
• Zoos and Wildlife Parks
• Cruise Specialists
• Boat/River Trips
• Railways
• Museums and Galleries
• Shopping Experiences

Group visitors will also be pleased to hear there will be a number of special features and fun events happening throughout the day to keep you entertained. These include themed events, live music, virtual horseracing and a relaxation and pamper zone.

“Ascot Racecourse is very excited to be involved in hosting a brand new, innovative exhibition for the Group Travel Market. We are looking forward to seeing many key attractions and organisers here at the Racecourse in 2012.”

Jacky Birch, Head of Group Sales, Ascot

“We are delighted that The Pass magazine is involved in putting together a group travel event in 2012, with our current success with The Pass magazine and the diversity of organisers they serve, this event will enable the readers to meet the suppliers and attractions first-hand to discuss their group travel plans.”

Steve Plummer, Managing Director, Cruise for Groups

“The GTOA is always looking for new ways to engage with group organisers and those that provide services to organisers. The development of a new opportunity to do so is of great interest to the Association and we are pleased to support the organisers in the creation and development of Great for Groups.”

Mike Newman, Marketing and Recruitment Manager, GTOA

“Royal Albert Hall Tours are delighted to be exhibiting at this exciting new addition to the group travel sector. We're sure that this event will become a regular feature in the travel trade calendar.”

Ellen Morgan, Marketing Co-ordinator, Royal Albert Hall

Great for Groups is a unique day out that will bring excitement and inspiration to the industry. To register visit www.greatforgroups.co.uk