The response we received following the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2016 has provided a range of statistics that confirm it was one of the most successful exhibitions ever.

‘Fantastic’, ‘really busy’, ‘great for quality business leads’ and ‘fabulous’ were just a few of the ways visitors and exhibitors described the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2016.

And if word of mouth praise doesn’t say enough, the concluding statistics certainly do. Here, we reveal some of the numbers that prove the GLTS is still the UK’s number one exhibition for people who organise group trips and holidays.

“Highlight of our year”

82.98% of visitors found the show experience to be very good (42.55%) or good (40.43%).

Additionally, 90.78% stated that a visit to the show gave them ideas and helped plan future group trips or holidays.

Jam-packed aisles at the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2016.

Visiting group travel organisers like Kath Oakley from Derek’s Tours had nothing but praise following their GLTS experience.

“This show really is the highlight of our year,” said Kath. “I have been coming for the past 15 years and learn something new every time. We meet people, exchange ideas and I think it’s brilliant.”

Statistics also indicated that 91.49% of visitors met the right type of exhibitors. Vincent Doherty, organiser of the Greater Manchester Police Sports & Social Club, told GLTS organisers that he’d come to find new trips to offer his group, and had discovered a number of new group travel firms that he hadn’t heard of before.

The statistics following feedback also revealed that 94.12% of visitors either plan (55.88%) or probably plan to (38.24%) return to the show this year.

90.78% of visitors stated that the GLTS gave them ideas and helped plan future group trips or holidays.

“We had so much help with the setup”

Exhibitors also had plenty of positive feedback to give following the show. 92.11% of those who exhibited said the show produced good business prospects, while 84.21% met the right type of people.

Rachel Hosking, company director at Serious About Events, explained that the 2016 show was the company’s first time on a stand at the GLTS.

“It’s been so busy! This was our first time exhibiting and it’s been fantastic. We’ve had so much help with the set up,” explained a very pleased Rachel.

94.29% of exhibitors were also shown to be happy with pre-show publicity for visitors – and luckily for GTOs who plan to visit the GLTS this year, 91.43% either plan (34.29%) or probably plan (57.14%) to return to exhibit at the Group Leisure & Travel Show this year.

And with stands filling up at a rapid rate, it looks like the 2017 show might be the biggest and best yet.

Alexis Conran speaking in the Seminar Theatre.

More on the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017

The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017 will take place in Hall 18 of the NEC on Thursday 12th October.

Visitor registration will open in the spring and include benefits such as free entry, free bacon butty breakfast and free parking at the NEC.

Sales manager Sharon Yandell is positive about GLTS 2017. She said: “Stand sales for the 2017 show have so far exceeded all expectations and indicate prospects for a sell-out show at the NEC.”

The event will take place in the larger Hall 18 this year to accommodate an expected increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2017 event call Sharon Yandell on 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.