Delegate packages are now on sale for the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) Winter Networking event, taking place from 21 to 24 November in Perthshire.
Sponsored by VisitScotland and Perth & Kinross Council, the event will present operators with highlights for coach tours in Scotland, alongside business development opportunities for buyers and suppliers operating in this market.
“Scotland always provides classic coach tour products, but Perth & Kinross offers hidden gems to the market that are, as yet, relatively unexplored, and the area’s natural beauty is supported by excellent group-friendly accommodation and a range of engaging attractions,” says Robert Shaw, CTA Chair. “As well as providing operators and wholesalers with new product ideas from around Scotland, CTA Winter Networking will bring together industry stakeholders to look at new ways of pushing business forward.”
Spreading the opportunity to showcase the wider appeal of Scotland, the event begins for early operator and wholesaler arrivals on Friday, 21 November, with a stay at the Peebles Hydro Hotel and a visit to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. The main event begins on Saturday 22 November and includes a cruise courtesy of Edinburgh’s Forth Boat Tours as well as a visit to the Cairn Hotels’ Stirling Highland Hotel.
CTA Winter Networking will be based at the Crieff Hydro Hotel, and on Sunday 23 November, delegates will head on fam trips to Scone Palace as well as the Perth Museum and Black Watch Museum, with lunch at Strathmore Hotels’ Salutation Hotel.
On Monday, 24 November, the final day of the event, hosts a Showcase including CTA supplier members as well as a special Scottish trade supplier section, ranging from hotels to attractions to service providers to the coach tourism market.
Delegate transport for the event will be provided by new CTA coach operator member Loch Lomond Travel.
“Hosting CTA Winter Networking gives Perth & Kinross an excellent platform to demonstrate to this important group of coach tour operators that the region is coach-friendly and ready to do business,” says Denise Hill, VisitScotland’s Head of Business Development and Intermediary Marketing. “Alongside the stunning scenery, so important to visitors, the rich history and culture of the region is brought to life here by popular attractions such as Scone Palace and the Black Watch Museum, and major new developments like Perth Museum.
“Group travel is an important contributor to Scotland’s tourism economy, with domestic travellers in particular travelling widely across the country and right through the seasons. Developments in coaches and the businesses that form their tourism supply chain mean that coach travel will continue to develop as part of Scotland’s sustainable tourism economy. This is a great time for the region to host and build relationships with the players who will help to make this happen. “
The event is open to CTA members who can find out more about the event and book here. Stakeholders from the coach tourism sector who are not currently members are welcome to join the organisation and book to attend CTA Winter Networking. To join the organisation, visit here.
