The Winter Networking event organized by the Coach Tourism Association (CTA) in the UK successfully gathered over 160 industry professionals from across the nation’s coach tourism sector. Participants, including CTA members, reported numerous positive developments, notably the creation of new business avenues for future journeys and tours.
The gathering took place at The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool, Lancashire, from November 23-25. It offered substantial networking opportunities, connecting buyers and suppliers within the industry. An exclusive Supplier Showcase was also part of the event, helping forge connections between coach tour operators, wholesalers, and various service providers such as hotels, attractions, and destinations, paving the way for innovative tourism offerings.
“Strong attendance from operators and wholesalers in Blackpool has driven excellent participation from high-quality suppliers,” says CTA Chair, Robert Shaw. “CTA operators were delighted with the opportunities to create new trips and tours. For suppliers, CTA Winter Networking was a demonstration of the commercial value of attending our industry’s most important business generation events.”
At the networking dinner, Blackpool’s Mayor, Councillor Peter Hunter, delivered a speech praising the coach tourism sector for its vital contribution to the local economy.
Further highlights of the event included an Afternoon Tea at the renowned Blackpool Tower Ballroom, managed by Merlin Entertainments. This was complemented by special tours for attendees, featuring visits to Merlin’s High Jinx circus show, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, and the Sea Life Blackpool Aquarium.
“The weekend showed the importance of hosting fam visits to meet coach tourism operators face-to-face to closely understand the needs of coach tour customers,” says Suzie Gildon, Merlin Entertainments. “Participation in CTA Winter Networking generated a lot of new interest in our attractions and we look forward to partnering with many new coach operators as a result.”
The agenda also featured an excursion to Rufford Old Hall, a historic National Trust site near Ormskirk, and participation in the festive Christmas by the Sea event, hosted by VisitBlackpool.
Sponsors of the event included Irish Ferries, Merlin Entertainments, CN Live Productions, and Visit Blackpool, with transportation for the familiarization trips provided by Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours.
Looking forward, the CTA has scheduled its next major function, the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025, which promises to be the pivotal annual meet-up for the UK’s coach tourism industry, slated for February 8-11, 2025, in Stratford-upon-Avon.
