National News
BTTS unveils speaker programme
Industry experts to address accessibility, sustainable travel, and emerging trends at the UK's leading group travel show this March.
The British Tourism & Travel Show (BTTS) has announced its speaker programme. Expert speakers will take to the stage to share the latest trends, itinerary inspiration, and insights across sustainability, accessibility, marketing and best practice in group travel. Taking place on 19-20 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, the show will bring together tour operators and group travel organisers for two days of learning, discovery, and networking.
The programme features speakers from organisations including the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT), UKinbound, the Association for Group Travel Organisers (AGTO), and the Coach Tourism Association (CTA), alongside experts sharing practical experience and market knowledge.
Keynote Highlights: Wednesday 19 March
11.00 – 11.30am
Coach friendly planning: Access all areas. Phil Smith, UK Coach Manager for CPT, will share economic and environmental insights into coach travel’s role in coach travel. Phil will explore how destinations are improving coach facilities and achieving ‘Coach Friendly Status’ accreditation. The session will also provide a guide on how coach friendly policies can enhance group experiences, and empower operators to shape a more coach friendly future.
12.00 - 12.25pm
Legal compliance in 2025. Matt Gatenby, Senior Partner at Travlaw Legal Services, will deliver an overview of essential legal requirements for tour operators and group travel businesses.
12.45 - 1.10pm
Trigger thinking: Shut up and take my money. Catherine Warrilow, Founder of The Plot, will explore the psychology behind travel purchasing decisions, offering insights into creating compelling brand strategies that convert interest into sales.
1.45 – 2.10pm
AI in action: Practical use cases to kickstart your ai journey today
Manu Kastia, Founder and Head of Strategy at Digital Dialog, will demonstrate how tour operators and group travel organisers can leverage AI tools for data analysis, marketing, pricing strategies, and operational efficiency through real-world examples and practical applications.
2.30 - 2.45pm
How groups can embrace Austen250 in 2025. Jon Chamberlain, Head of Marketing at Visit West, will showcase opportunities around Jane Austen's 250th birthday celebrations, highlighting potential itineraries combining Bath with other significant Austen locations.
3.00 - 3.50pm
Travel without limits: Designing for accessibility and inclusion. An expert panel, featuring Ray Veal (Tourism for All), Cheryl Everitt (A Wheel and Away), Hester Grainger (Perfectly Autistic), and James Dixon-Box (Marsham Court Hotel), will give their insights and explore strategies for creating inclusive travel experiences.
Keynote Highlights: Thursday 20 March
11.30 - 11.55am
Inbound travel trade: A golden opportunity. Joss Croft, CEO of UKinbound, will present the latest visitor trends, industry challenges, and opportunities for businesses to boost their inbound tourism engagement.
12.15- 12.45pm
Tour planning: Are you acting responsibly? A panel hosted by AGTO will explore how to deliver sustainable trips that benefit local economies.
1.00 - 1.30pm
Winning new customers to coach holidays. In this panel session, organised by the CTA, Jason Edwards (Jason Edwards Travel), Louise Fitzpatrick (Albatross Travel), and Graham Hopcraft (DFDS) will discuss strategies to attract new customers to coach travel.
Event Manager, Lloyd Jones, comments on the programme: “After introducing a call for speakers for this year’s show, we're delighted with the strong line-up of experts set to feature. The topics reflect current themes, challenges and opportunities, and will provide tour operators and group travel organisers with practical strategies for growth, accessibility, and sustainable tourism. We're excited to bring these industry experts together and offer a rich programme to attendees."
Exhibitor Showcase
In addition to the seminar programme, BTTS will feature exhibitors representing attractions, destinations, hotels, and venues from across the UK and Ireland.
Ashley & Newey, Best Western Hotels, City Cruises, Continuum Attractions, Devon’s Top Attractions, Holiday Ireland Tours, Marketing Liverpool, Nevis Range, North Wales Tourism, Ribble Valley, Tourism Ireland and Visit Wales are just a few of the returning names for 2025.
The show will also welcome several first-time exhibitors set to inspire itineraries, including Avon Valley Railway, Brooklands Museum, Destination Lincolnshire, Discover Northamptonshire, the Eden Project, Great West Way, Hemswell Antiques Centre, and Visit Cornwall.
Jacky Burnell, Director at Wisteria Tours says, “BTTS is a great opportunity to meet new and existing suppliers face to face and hear about new products. I’m looking forward to this year’s show.”
David Chatterley, Proprietor at SHOWCOACHtours adds, “BTTS always gives inspiration for new tours and a start to the future year’s programme.”
Free registration for trade and group travel organisers.
British Tourism & Travel Show is taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 19 - 20 March 2025. For more information and to register for a free ticket, visit www.tourismshow.co.uk.
