We ask the experts: where in the world is hot right now? Where’s a great destination for a group holiday? Why should groups go to this chosen destination and are there any particular landmarks that visitors won’t want to miss?
Group travel organisers planning a short break or a holiday in the near future can take inspiration from some of the tour operators exhibiting at this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show.
Here, five tour operators, who arrange both UK and overseas holidays, give their trip suggestions, all of which are group-friendly and available to book now….
Emma Bainbridge, group’s executive for Omega Holidays, recommends a sky high experience for those who want to see the Northern Lights without the hassle and expense of travelling abroad.
Omega Holidays operates Northern Lights Flights, which are flights to the northern edge of British airspace. The plane is positioned within sight of the location where the Aurora Borealis normally occurs, and passengers onboard the plane can marvel at the natural phenomenon from the plane window.
Flights are available from 15 regional UK airports and include pre-flight presentations and commentary during the flight from expert guest astronomers including Pete Lawrence from the BBC’s Sky at Night.
Omega Holidays will be exhibiting on Stand 550.
Ioana Polec, marketing manager for World Synergy Travel, suggests Transylvania and Bucovina in Romania.
In Transylvania, groups can visit Medieval towns such as Sighișoara, Brasov and Targu Mures, as well as other landmarks like Bethlen-Haller Castle in Cetatea de Balta, the fortified church in Biertan, and the Liliac winery.
And in Bucovina, Ioana suggests visiting the painted monasteries in Voronet, Moldovita and Arbore, and well as the Ethnography Museum in Vatra Dornei, and the History Museum in Suceava.
World Synergy Travel will be exhibiting on Stand 255.
Emma McMillan, groups and affinities manager for David Urquhart Travel, suggests Edinburgh.
“Somewhere that never fails to deliver is Edinburgh as it buzzes with excitement,” explained Emma. “In the summer you will experience music, heritage and culture which takes centre stage at The Royal Military Tattoo, the highlight of the Edinburgh Festival.
“Edinburgh for me will always be up and coming, with new and exciting things to do all the time – it is my all-time favourite place to visit at every time of the year.”
David Urquhart Travel will be exhibiting on Stand 330.
Gary Boland, marketing manager for Tour2Cruise.com, recommends groups take a holiday to Slovenia.
Gary said: “One of my favourite destinations is the Slovene capital, Ljubljana. It is a vibrant city with a village atmosphere. The old town is charming. I also recommend the coffee shop atop the Neboticnik Tower, a classic brutalist reminder of the country’s Soviet influenced past. It’s refreshingly different.”
Tour2Cruise.com will be exhibiting on Stand 435.
Moreno Moretti, president of Italycharme by Ciao Italia Ltd, says that groups should take a trip to Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region of Italy.
“Ascoli is good for groups. It has one of the best squares in Italy, and an old bar which has been open since 1898. There is also excellent food, friendly people, an old town that is easy to walk to, and a 20 minute journey to the beach.
“When you visit Le Marche you will be struck by the bucolic landscape, the rich cultural heritage, the historic architecture and the quality of the local products.”
Italycharme by Ciao Italia Ltd will be exhibiting on Travel Row.
Lead image: The Le Marche region in Italy.
