Two new travel guides have been released by British tourism travel organizations with the aim of helping the trade plan and book travel to the UK by receiving information from and directly connecting with local suppliers. The guides – from England’s Historic Cities and the Great West Way – are excellent resources to destinations across Britain and can be accessed online.
England’s Historic Cities
The consortium of 13 historic cities in England launched its new Travel Trade Guide at VisitBritain’s Destination Britain North America travel trade conference, which took place Sept. 7-10 in San Franscisco.
‘England’s Historic Cities,’ previously operating as ‘England Originals,’ includes Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster, Lincoln, Oxford, Salisbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, and York.
The new England Historic Cities Travel Trade Guide includes a selection of attractions, experiences, tour guiding companies and accommodation providers for each city. There is a wealth of history and heritage product in addition to some more unusual and exciting things to do.
It highlights trade-focussed information for almost 100 tourism businesses including discounted trade rates, min/max groups sizes, car/coach parking and details key trade contacts as well as providing overarching information on each of the city destinations with travel information and image library links.
Melanie Sensicle, England’s Heritage Cities Chairperson says, “This new guide gives the international travel trade a fantastic introduction to the very best of England’s Heritage Cities. It is an invaluable resource for intermediaries crafting bespoke itineraries for their clients who are wishing to explore the amazing things to do in England’s Historic Cities for 2024 and beyond.”
The new England’s Historic Cities Travel Trade Guide is available to download at www.englandoriginals.com/travel-trade.
Other resources include a travel trade toolkit, and five pre-planned suggested itineraries (each incorporating three cities): ‘Western Wonders,’ ‘Treasure Trove,’ ‘Wall to Wall,’ ‘Thinkers & Writers,’ and ‘Time Travellers.’ It also details the trade partnerships and their associated bookable programs – all designed to help join the distribution chain.
The Great West Way
Similarly, The Great West Way touring route, which extends from the outskirts of London west to Bristol, has unveiled its latest travel trade directory.
The comprehensive guide serves as a one-stop resource for intermediaries seeking to delve into the heart of the Great West Way and its array of things to do, streamlining the process of curating enticing itineraries, forging partnerships with suppliers, and showcasing the region’s charm to curious travellers.
This fifth edition brings to light not only prominent destinations ‘along the route,’ but also hidden gems in close proximity ‘within easy reach.’ New highlights, specialist tours and attractions, and a new ‘Stately Homes, Palaces and Castles’ suggested itinerary, offers inspiration for those creating new programs.
With a meticulous assessment of attractions, activities, accommodations, and dining options, the directory boasts a comprehensive compilation of approximately 500 up-to-date supplier listings, ranging from the less well known to the more prominent players in the tourism sector.
“This latest edition of the travel trade directory stands as our most invaluable asset yet – a veritable compendium of information catering to trade professionals keen on curating experiences within and around the Great West Way,” says Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade.
“Packed with inspirational concepts and vital contacts, it empowers buyers to cultivate and present distinctive and exhilarating tourism experiences for their clients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to aiding these intermediaries, striving to optimize bookable programs that entice a growing number of travellers to explore and savour the wonders strewn along this magnificent touring route.”
Over 100+ Great West Way Official Tour Operators and over 80 bookable programs being distributed in over 20 countries, comprise the guide.
Copies of the directory will be available at the annual Great West Way Marketplace event, which is now open for buyers to register. This hybrid event will run from Nov. 15 to 19 with the am of facilitating business between buyers and suppliers.
Other travel trade industry support includes 1:1 advice and support to over 225 Great West Way Ambassador businesses on how to work with the international travel trade, plus continued support for the Great West Way Official Tour Operator network, including a travel trade help desk, ongoing engagement and communications, troubleshooting, itinerary development and personal introductions to suppliers.
The interactive edition of the directory is available to view HERE.
It is complemented by an online travel trade toolkit which includes additional information to assist the development of wholesale programs at GreatWestWay.co.uk/traveltrade.