Destination UK Winter 2016

Issue 68 Winter 2016 £2.75

Overseas visitors make savings on visits to London

By Christina Eccles

FAMILIES visiting London from overseas this summer have potentially made huge savings during their stay, according to data from visitlondon.com, the city’s official visitor guide. visitlondon.com calculated the cost of a typical family day out in the city, including a night in a hotel, tickets to a leading attraction and an evening out at a West End show, and then worked out the potential savings based on more favourable exchange rates with currencies including the Dollar and Euro since the vote to leave the European Union in June.

According to figures, a family of four from the USA could save at least $140 a day during a stay in the city, a family from Europe could save around €115 a day, while average savings for a Chinese family could amount to ¥825 a day, making a city break in London even better value for money.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London has the best hotels, attractions, shopping and entertainment anywhere in the world so it’s no surprise we have seen record numbers of tourists come to the capital in recent years.

“This latest data clearly shows London is open to visitors from around the world and offers them great value for money.

“Tourism is crucial for our economy

and we welcome anyone who wants to come and enjoy what London has to offer.”

Separate research also suggests overseas visitors are making the most of the savings by hitting the capital’s shops.

Data from the retail consultancy Global Blue revealed tax-free spending in London by overseas visitors increased by 38 per cent in August and 31 per cent in September 2016 compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, consultancy firm Deloitte has shown that some designer items and other luxury goods now cost less in Britain in dollar terms than anywhere else in the world.

Chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, Ros Morgan, added: “London has always been a top destination for tourists from all around the world.

“Across Piccadilly, St James’s and Leicester Square we have seen a significant increase in visitor numbers and tourist spend and we look forward to welcoming more over the busy festive season, with new events like ‘Christmas in Leicester Square’, to show London is open.”

The latest forecasts by Oxford Economics suggest that London tourism will see stronger long-term growth, with 22.4 million overseas tourists coming to the capital by 2020.

Bridge is voted greatest wonder

A new stage show featuring two of the stars from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing will embark on a national UK tour in early 2017. Somewhere In Time – An Audience With Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe is a new production which promises dance fans and audiences a night to remember at venues across the country between March and June next year. n For more theatre news, see our Centre Stage section starting on page 12.

THE Forth Bridge has been voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in new research by VisitScotland as part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016.

The 126-year-old bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Site pipped Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies and the Glenfinnan Viaduct to take the top spot, with 30 per cent of the votes in the survey.

Other ‘wonders’ on the list include Stirling Castle, Falkirk Wheel, Caledonian Canal, Scott Monument, Bell Rock Lighthouse and Melrose Abbey.

Chief executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead, said: “It is no surprise that our aweinspiring Forth Bridge has taken the top spot in this research and it is wonderful to see that new man-made wonders like The Kelpies are already proving a hit with visitors.

“2016 has shone a significant spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a widerange of activity designed to boost tourism.”

DESTINATIONNEWS

The Queen’s House reopens with major new art exhibition THE Queen’s House, jewel in the Greenwich crown, recently reopened after over a year of extensive refurbishment, and celebrates its 400th anniversary with a major new art display.

Built as a ‘house of delight’ for James I’s queen, Anne of Denmark, as part of the palace where Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were born, this royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones in 1616.

It is Britain’s first classical building and a pioneering masterpiece of 17th-century architecture.

The newly reopened House showcases over 450 works of art by such masters as Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Reynolds, as well as the iconic ‘Armada Portrait’ of Queen Elizabeth I, on permanent public display for the first time after a successful appeal to acquire it for the nation.

This special display to mark the House’s 400th anniversary focuses on the people and events key to its creation and history, and on its significance today. On the ceiling of the Great Hall is a spectacular new work in gold leaf, by Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Wright.

Inspired by the newly restored Tulip Stairs, this is the first piece

The magic of market shopping in Swansea specially commissioned for the Hall since the 1630s.

From the House, you can also enjoy splendid views of Greenwich Royal Park, the Old Royal Naval College and the River Thames.

The Queen’s House is free to visit with the exception of the highly recommended guided tours. Book a guided tour for your group now by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk or calling 0208 312 6608.

SWANSEA Market is the largest indoor market in Wales and one of the finest in Britain.

Easily reached via Junction 42 of the M4 and at the heart of the City Centre, Swansea Market has over 100 stalls.

It’s open six days a week and sells everything from unique jewellery and gifts to its famous cockles and laverbread.

Combined with the hot Welsh cakes straight from the griddle, it certainly provides a true taste of Wales!

Plan a visit between Thursday, November 24 and Wednesday, December 21 and you can also experience the fantastic Christmas Market.

Decorative green and red wooden

AGTO marks 25 years of group organising

THE Association of Group Travel Organisers celebrated its 25th anniversary with a sell-out Showcase Weekend in Norwich.

150 delegates representing group organisers and associate members attended from all around the UK for a series of business sessions, networking and familiarisation trips.

They heard from AGTO chief executive Mike Bugsgang that the newly launched Ambassador scheme aimed at boosting membership had been a great success.

He described 2016 as a ‘landmark year’ for the Association with a Silver Anniversary to celebrate and a rebranding exercise, which saw a change of name from GTOA to AGTO together with a smart new identity.

To ensure that the views of the group travel sector were considered in discussions with government and legislators, AGTO had also joined the Tourism Alliance.

During one of the business sessions, guest speaker Pete Waters, executive director of Visit East Anglia, highlighted some of the multi-million pound investments that

chalets line the street and offer the best choice of arts, crafts, handmade gifts, fine foods, unique and personalised Christmas decorations and so much more.

Sample some local specialities such as seaweed gin; stop and watch the art of glass blowing; treat yourself to delicious crepes or handmade fudge; try a camel burger, with cumin and apricot or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment.

For more information on visiting Swansea City Centre and to book your group visit, please contact Swansea City Centre Management on 01792 633090 / citycentremanagement@swansea. gov.uk

Contacts EDITORIAL Judith Halkerston group editor jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia. co.uk Olivia Taylor reporter 01226 734407 ot@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave production editor dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@scriptmedia.co.uk Scott Firth – graphic designer sf@scriptmedia.co.uk

had been made into the region’s local attractions. He said that new upgraded road links to the county had made Norfolk’s countryside even easier for visitors to get to.

All positive developments that he hoped would attract more group business to the region in the future.

As part of the weekend Visit East Anglia arranged familiarisation trips for delegates to the surrounding area, themed ‘Norwich and Suffolk’, ‘Deep History Coast’ and ‘Great Yarmouth and The Broads’.

Local producers and suppliers

were also given the opportunity to showcase their wares at the event.

Group tour organisers attending were given some ‘easy, low cost’ tips about how to market themselves more effectively by Jason Triandafyllou, partner at marketing agency Designate.

Jason urged them to ‘be creative’ with their itineraries, to know their market and to make the most of ‘free opportunities’ available to them via social media channels which he described as ‘networking on steroids’.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

ADVERTISING Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605 CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@scriptmedia.co.uk Web: www.destination.uk.com

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Illuminations an airshow and even Snowdogs are just some of the attractions that have had thousands of people flocking to Sunderland this year. Destination UK reporters Dominic Musgrave and Danny Richardson have visited the North East city over the past few months to see what else it has to offer.

Sunderland has plenty to offer SUNDERLAND may not be the first place you think of when planning a weekend away, but it certainly has plenty to offer for people of all ages.

I travelled North in October with my wife Emma and two children, eight-year-old Beth and five-year-old Joseph in search of the Great North Snowdogs.

Inspired by Raymond Briggs’ the Snowman and the Snowdog and largely following the route of the Tyne and Wear Metro system, the 61 large Snowdog sculptures were designed by professional artists and celebrities such as Joanna Lumley and, when the tour closed in November, they were auctioned off to raise funds for Newcastle’s St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice. There was also smaller ones for us to look out for dotted around various attractions.

We stayed for the night at the recently opened Hilton Garden Inn by the Stadium of Light, which was home to the first two sculptures we saw on our adventures.

A quick Metro journey and we were soon in the centre of Sunderland, which is where our adventures began.

With Joseph using the app that I’d downloaded on my smartphone and Beth using the traditional oldfashioned map, hunting and ticking off the Snowdogs was a great way for us to see the city’s sights and the impressive Bridges shopping centre.

We stopped off for a rest and a spot of lunch at Katie’s Garden, a quirky garden-themed vintage restaurant that is difficult to put into words. It was how I would imagine walking into Narnia would feel, and with crafts for the kids to do it really was a place that we won’t forget in a hurry. It’s not every day you have your sandwiches served on a trowel on a bed of grass and crisps served in a plant pot!

After ticking off a few more Snowdogs we headed back to the

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hotel late afternoon to be collected by taxi and driven to the seafront for the illuminations.

I have to admit that I thought it was just Blackpool that had illuminations, and it appears I’m not alone in thinking that from the people I’ve spoken to about it.

But in fact Sunderland’s illumination date back to 1935 when they were know as ‘Roker illuminations’.

Budget pressures forced the annual event to be stopped in the 1990s, but four years ago they returned, and they have proved so popular that Visit England put them at the top of their Autumn visitor attractions last year.

Based in Roker Park, almost 290,000 people visited the illuminations last year, and it’s easy to see why that number looks set to have been beaten in 2016.

As well as the illuminations, there was also a large fair for children of all ages, and despite it being bitterly cold we had a great time.

After a wonderful meal in the Karbon Grill back at the hotel we all headed upstairs to bed exhausted from our long day.

The next morning after a hearty

breakfast we headed North on the Metro up to Newcastle, again in search of the Snowdogs.

Emma and myself have visited Newcastle with friends who live nearby on several occasions, but it was the first time the children had been, and the Snowdogs trail was the perfect way for them to see the sights – everything from St James’ Park to The Sage.

They loved it and at no point did Joseph complain that his legs were tired and ask to be carried – a first for him!

We headed back to Sunderland and the journey back down the A1 home was a peaceful one for me as all three were fast asleep for the majority of the way home after a fantastic and very enjoyable weekend. n Sunderland’s bid to become the 2021 City of Culture speaks volumes about the city’s ambition to become a top tourist destination.

I had never visited the city before - and maybe it’s down to my poor geographical knowledge (it was never my strongest subject) but I was surprised to find the city boasts a golden coastline – the venue for the annual international air show, which I had the pleasure of attending in the summer.

It’s attractions such as the air show that should make Sunderland a tourist hotspot, but for one reason or another, it isn’t just yet.

But the city boasts a Premier League football side with a top level ground in the Stadium of Light, which recently played host to American superstar Beyonce.

It’s a seaside city, the aforementioned annual air show is a popular attraction, it has a well respected university and there are exciting development plans to make Sunderland one of the top cities in the UK. Yes it’s in the shadow of neighbours Newcastle, which has all the above plus a notorious night life, setting the tourist destination bar fairly high.

But there are plans to meet and even surpass that bar.

Yes it’s ambitious, but can the city

do it? On the evidence of the air show, yes.

I’ll be straight – I’m not a fan of air crafts, planes have never really interested me and I couldn’t tell you the first thing about them, only what in-flight meals are served on a Thomson Airways flight to Lanzarote.

But, as the Red Arrows flew past me at the show, I found myself taken aback.

It’s an impressive sight.

It’s no surprise then, that the show welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the three-day event.

The good weather helped – I found myself travelling back to South Yorkshire with a sunburnt face – but it’s a small price to pay for what was an impressive weekend.

I was treated to high-end hospitality, which included unspoiled views of the show and an all you can eat buffet.

But, I wandered down to the beach to watch the show with the masses, and it was more impressive than my cliff side view.

There was a buzz in the crowd, complete with choruses of ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ as impressive air crafts took to the sky.

The highlight – aside from the Red Arrows – was a Typhoon fighter jet, a beast of an air craft, with sound so loud it could drown out the Stadium of Light when the home crowd score an (albeit unlikely on this season’s performances) goal.

It’s attractions such as the air show that strengthen the city’s Capital of Culture bid – but there’s more to boast about.

The city’s night life – in my opinion an integral cog in the tourist attraction wheel – is certainly on the up thanks to quirky bars and restaurants.

I’m a sucker for Indian food, and ate in an Indian street-themed restaurant on my second night.

On the same road was a Nando’s restaurant, trivial to some, but the Capital of Culture bid speaks about catering for young people, and it’s restaurants like these that will help attract a younger generation.

Also, a £100m regeneration project targeting key areas of the city – including the sea front – is well underway, and could prove key in helping Sunderland secure the City of Culture crown.

Part of the project was bringing a luxury hotel to the area - and that was achieved with the Hilton Garden Inn, my bed for the night.

It’s estimated that the City of Culture bid, working in tandem with the regeneration scheme, could bring millions to the city’s economy which could help the city continue its growth.

The city has a lot going for it - and I left impressed after a more than enjoyable weekend.

But will Sunderland be crowned City of Culture 2021? On this evidence, it’s in with a strong shout.

DESTINATIONHEART OF ENGLAND

Discover the magic of Shakespeare’s England in 2017

Christmas magic at Cadbury World FOR groups looking for a festive day out with a difference, there’s no better place to visit than Cadbury World.

Based in the picturesque village of Bournville, groups can uncover a world of delights through the attraction’s chocolatey zones.

Until December 22 the attraction’s popular Christmas Celebration Weekends return with a special programme of festivities.

Handmade Christmas chocolate treats crafted by Cadbury World’s on-site chocolatiers will be available to buy in the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop, alongside Cadbury’s much-loved Christmas products, whilst a special yuletide menu will be available in the Cadbury Café.

Cadbury World’s Christmas

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pantomime will see Cinderella take to the stage for a series of performances.

Santa will also be entertaining visitors by starring in his very own stage show. Arriving with a sack full of Christmas gifts, children will be able to take home a small piece of the magic.

Special discounted entry rates for groups of 15 or more are offered with free coach parking, and admission for one driver included.

Organisers of groups of 20 or more will receive free admission for the group organiser.

For brochures and booking enquiries, please visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0844 880 7667.

DISCOVER Shakespeare’s England in 2017 and enjoy a host of exciting events and activities for all the family.

See four of Shakespeare’s great political thrillers by the Royal Shakespeare Company, have a go at wake-boarding at a new purpose built track, wander around new exhibitions and take part in a variety of festivals. Make 2017 the year you discover the magic of Shakespeare’s England.

The Royal Shakespeare Company marks 2,000 years since the death of Ovid, announcing their new season of Shakespeare’s four political thrillers set in and around ancient Rome. Julius Caesar runs from March 3 to September 9, Antony & Cleopatra runs from March 11 to September 7, Titus Andronicus runs from June 23 to September 2 and Coriolanus concludes the season.

The season is accompanied by a new free exhibition from March to September looking at 200 years of British political cartoons inspired by Shakespeare. In the Swan Theatre the RSC presents a new version of the Chinese drama, Snow in Midsummer; the world premieres of new plays by Richard Bean, The Hypocrite, and Vice Versa by Phil Porter; Oscar Wilde’s Salomé; and Christopher Marlowe’s Dido, Queen of Carthage.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will celebrate its 170th anniversary on September 16 when it was formed in 1847 following the purchase of Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover how Charles Dickens spearheaded the campaign to save the Birthplace in this temporary exhibition.

A new exhibition will take place at Hall’s Croft in March to explore Jacobean medicine in relation to working practises of Dr. John Hall.

To coincide with the UK – India Year of Culture, SBT will present ‘Shakespeare in South Asia’ from May – September celebrating Shakespeare’s influence in South Asia. The Shakespeare Film Festival takes place in September with film screenings to appeal to all audiences. ‘Shakespeare Week’ runs from March 20-27 to celebrate Shakespeare in primary schools and the 64th Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival runs from June 11-18 with a line-up of readings, performances and workshops, mixing the talents of poets with actors and musicians.

Visitors are invited to celebrate the first anniversary of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, which opened its doors on April 23, exactly 400 years after the death of its former pupil, William Shakespeare.

The programme will feature a series of events around the April anniversary including special tours, an author event and new family focused activities.

Compton Verney will host three major art exhibitions. Starting with

Creating the Countryside, a look at how the countryside has influenced painters from 1600 to 2017, then an exhibition examining Optical Art in the summer followed by a celebration of the work of one of the world’s most important and bestloved illustrators, Quentin Blake in the autumn.

There will also be The Clearing, a project which will create an evolving encampment, including a geodesic dome in the shadow of Compton Verney’s mansion house, where people can come together to learn how to live completely off-grid.

Wootton Park opens its new Wakeboard Park in the spring with three lakes. The purpose-built facility will have two electric cable winch systems which will pull participants up and down the lakes. There will be a variety of ramps and jumps to suit all abilities.

Wootton Park is also expanding its glamping pod business with private hot tubs.

The British Motor Museum, following on from its successful refurbishment and re-branding in 2016, will host a major temporary exhibition ‘British Motoring Treasures’ which will run from Easter.

The hugely popular Stratford Festival of Motoring returns for its fourth consecutive year, over the first May Bank holiday. The town centre streets will throb with the sound of over 300 high performance motors and classic cars.

The award winning Stratford River Festival returns to the banks of the River Avon over the first weekend in July. It is the largest family friendly free event held in Stratford with over 70,000 visitors expected to enjoy events on and off the river, market stalls and entertainment. The Stratford Food Festival is planned to take place from September 22-24, with over 100 stalls across three town centre areas.

The Market Hall Museum in Warwick will re-open in February following a major renovation and upgrade over the past 18 months.

The Kenilworth Show takes place on June 10 featuring a fun-filled, action-packed day out for the whole family.

The Peace Festival takes place in Leamington Spa in July along with the Thai, Beer, Folk and Ukele Festivals in Warwick. The National Bowls Championships in Leamington takes place in August for a month as teams from across the country compete. Entry is free every day.

Batsford Arboretum will open a new outdoor children’s play area in the spring. The play area will feature a mini adventure playground with wooden climbing frames.

Warwick Racecourse, one of the oldest in the country, has renovated its bars and made improvements to its track. Race-goers can kick the season off with some thrilling horse racing on January 14 with the Betfred Classic Chase Day.

DISCOVER TUNISIA

Enjoy Tunisia’s diverse landscapes and coastal waters are adventure playgrounds for active tourists.

Well known for its holiday resorts, lapped by the warm Mediterranean coast, Tunisia also offers plenty for thrillseeking holidaymakers.

Here’s our guide to activities.

In the water Conditions for scuba diving are excellent, with coastal visibility usually good and, surprisingly for the Mediterranean, coral formations numerous, attracting a variety of marine fauna.

Battles fought during the Second World War mean offshore ship and aircraft wrecks are a characteristic of Tunisian diving.

Tunisia’s diverse landscapes and coastal waters are adventure playgrounds for active tourists.

In general, dive operations offer shore and boat dives from June to October for beginners and advanced divers. Jerba has a reputation for steady north-easterly winds from June to September, which provide ideal conditions for beginner and intermediate windsurfers.

In the north, Sidi Bou Said hosts the International Windsurfing Association African Windsurfing Championships, its more challenging water and wind providing testing conditions for experts.

On the sand Douz styles itself as ‘Gateway to the Sahara’, a virtue of the town’s position at the edge of the Grand Erg Oriental – 39,000sq miles of desert.

Camel treks from Douz vary from two or three days to 60-mile-long, six-day camel trains, camping in the dunes under the stars en route to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane.

Horse riding options are fewer but short hacks are easily arranged from stables at Douz and Ksar Ghilane, and 10-day expeditions are possible with advance planning.

Quad bikes are ubiquitous around Douz and the other main desert hub of Tozeur, with half-day trips most common, but longer overnight guided

Douz and Tozeur.

camping safaris also available.

Excursions by four-wheel drive are also possible, covering ground more quickly while carrying more of life’s luxuries.

If time is short and you don’t fancy roughing it too much, Jeeps allow a night in the desert to be proceeded by a night in a good hotel.

For a more tranquil experience, try a sunrise hotair balloon ride over the desert.

One-hour flights go from both

On two wheels Adventurous bikers are increasingly exploring the more temperate areas of northern Tunisia, independently and on tours.

Beyond the cities, routes are surprisingly cycle friendly, relatively quiet, with dependable surfaces and stunning landscapes – just be prepared to stand on the pedals as you’re still in the eastern foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Watch out for taxi drivers who have yet to embrace the essentially foreign concept of cycling – passing too close and too fast for comfort.

On two legs The Kroumirie Mountains in Tunisia’s northwest have an extensive network of hiking trails.

Summits reach a respectable 1,500 metres and varied flora and fauna thrive in the relatively moderate local

climate. Although seasonal rainfall and humidity are a consideration neither are likely to be limiting factors.

With feathered friends A number of specialist operators provide escorted birdwatching tours in Tunisia.

The north’s Ichkeul National Park is the top birding area.

Forests, lakes and marshlands provide important habitats and staging posts for species migrating across the Sahara.

Past records show Ichkeul has hosted between 300,000 to 400,000 birds at one time.

In the south, beyond Douz and into the Sahara, numbers are much lower but Jebil National Park provides an arid habitat for some desert birds including rare houbara bustards.

DESTINATIONNEWS

Take advantage of show only offers at Excursions™ 2017

VISITORS to Excursions™ 2017 can take advantage of the many exclusive show only offers from exhibitors wanting to give group travel organisers something extra.

Delivering over 40 years of inspiration, the premier one-day exhibition will be held at Alexandra Palace, North London on Saturday, January 28 (10.30am to 4pm).

Among those offering extra discounts are the Windsor &

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Maidenhead Boat Company, who are giving a 10 per cent reduction on their group lunch and afternoon tea cruises confirmed by March 1, and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is offering an additional 25 per cent off the already discounted six attraction rate for group visits booked on their stand.

Stonor Park in Oxfordshire is offering one free place for group organisers bringing a party to

the house during 2017, and free familiarisation trips are offered by Diamond Group Travel and David Urquhart on specific trips and dates.

Other exhibitors offering something extra include English Heritage, HF Holidays, City Cruises, Canterbury Tales and Burlesdon Brickworks, while group travel organisers visiting the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines stand at Excursions™ will have the chance to earn Red Letter Day reward

vouchers.

Terms and conditions apply for all the show only offers, check the Excursions™ website for details at www.excursions2017.com or call the show organisers on 023 8062 5516.

You can also register for free admission, book a complimentary place on a transfer coach and view the full list of exhibitors on the show website.

DESTINATIONCHRISTMAS

Miss England, a MasterChef winner and a safe cracking competition… it was all at the Group Leisure & Travel Show THE 20th annual Group Leisure & Travel Show was a huge success yesterday, as group travel organisers descended on the NEC Birmingham.

They came to meet experts from household names in travel and tourism who were ready to inspire, advise and book all types of group trips, holidays and experiences.

The Seminar Theatre line-up attracted full house crowds, and visitors to the event walked away with deals and inspiration for the coming year and beyond.

The Theatre featured talks and Q&A sessions from antiques expert Eric Knowles, travel presenter Julie Peasgood, property and travel journalist Martin Roberts and scamexpert and Celebrity Masterchef 2016 winner Alexis Conran.

In addition, Miss England greeted show-goers on the Visit Southport stand, hundreds of people had a go at cracking the code to a safe with £2,000 inside, and some visitors took part in a show-wide Monopoly challenge.

Held every year, the GLTS is designed to give group travel organisers and travel buyers the opportunity to meet attractions,

tourist boards, accommodation providers, ticketing agencies, coach companies and tour operators.

Once again, the 2016 show provided a perfect platform for finding ideas and offers for group trips and holidays, making new contacts and renewing existing business relationships; bringing together hundreds of group organisers, travel buyers and exhibitors.

“It’s brilliant to meet up with so many contacts and I really enjoy the face to face communication,” Mary Gotts from Verne Colne U3A said.

“I’ve wanted to book with Potter’s Resorts for ages and just haven’t

had the time, so it was great they were at the show and I was able to speak to them.”

Kath Oakley of Derek’s Tours added: “This show really is the highlight of our year. 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!”

Exhibitors, meanwhile, also felt the show was a huge success.

“We’ve had an amazing volume of people interested in booking with us and we’ve met a lot of groups that are interested in working with us in the future,” said Lisa Cook, sales manager for Drayton Manor Theme

Park.

“We recognise that there was huge potential at the show for us to expand our group market. We’ve really had a lot of leads. People know Bridlington, but it’s been great to tell them different things about it,” Mark Lonsdale, marketing manager for Bridlington Spa, said.

Following the success of the 2016 event, organisers have reported that a number of exhibitors have already booked their stands for next year.

The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2017 will take place on October 12 at the NEC Birmingham.

Show organiser Emma Cash said: “This was the 20th anniversary for the Group Leisure & Travel Show and I think it shows.

“The formula for the event has been two decades in the making and we’re always trying to take things up a notch with every new year. Here’s to the next two decades.”

Exhibition sales manager Sharon Yandell added: “If anyone’s interested in exhibiting at next year’s show, now’s the time to get the position they want, so call me on 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.”

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DESTINATIONCENTRE STAGE

SuperBreak promotes West End’s newest musical, Half A Sixpence

The new flash bang wallop! musical SUPERBREAK is promoting theatre packages to the West End’s newest musical, Half A Sixpence, which has just transferred to the Noel Coward theatre following a record-breaking run in Chichester.

With audiences on their feet every night, this show will appeal to a wide variety of customers of all generations.

SuperBreak’s packages combine overnight accommodation with tickets to the show and are fully commissionable to agents.

This brand new musical is based on the autobiographical works of H.G. Wells.

The show tells the story of Arthur Kipps, an orphan and over-worked

draper’s assistant at the turn of the last century who unexpectedly inherits a fortune that propels him into high society.

His childhood companion, Ann Pornick, watches with dismay as Arthur is made over in a new image by the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham.

Both young women undoubtedly love Arthur – but which of them should he listen to?

With the help of his friends, Arthur learns that if you want to have the chance of living the right life, you need to make the right choices.

The musical is a completely fresh adaptation which reunites bookwriter Julian Fellowes (Oscar-winning

screenwriter and creator of Downton Abbey) with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical team that co-creator Cameron Mackintosh first put together to create the hit stage adaptation of Mary Poppins with Disney.

The score is inspired by and features several of composer David Heneker’s exhilarating songs from the original production, including ‘Flash Bang Wallop’, ‘Money To Burn’ and ‘Half A Sixpence’.

SuperBreak packages start from £164.50pp For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904 436000

SuperBreak national sales manager Graham Balmforth.

News from around the theatres ... rocking theatre-goers for years to come.

By David Thomas

IT’S the second week of November, and, as temperatures start to drop in the most exciting city on Earth, the adrenalin goes through the roof!

15 November

To the O2 for the launch of STAR WARS Identities, a fascinating interactive voyage of discovery jam-packed with the best-loved characters and craft from the most successful cinema series of all time

14 November

To the New London Theatre for the Press Night of SCHOOL OF ROCK, by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and writer Julian “Downton Abbey” Fellowes with lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act and Love Never Dies).

Famously the home of Cats and War Horse, this show introduces a new species to London’s West End… the wild Rock-And-Roll-Animal, Dewey Finn, immortalised by Jack Black on the screen and now made flesh (big time!) by David Fynn.

The audience also went wild at the Press Night, just as they did at the Public Dress Rehearsal …and every

15 November

David Thomas performance since.

And with the best reviews since Jesus (The Messiah not the ALW Musical) this joyous celebration of mega-decibel-rebellion should be

To The Barbican Theatre, home of the world-leading Royal Shakespeare Company, for a hugely entertaining production of KING LEAR starring Sir Antony Sher in which every line, every joke and every dramatic point hits home with all the power Shakespeare intended.

17 November

To the Noel Coward Theatre

for the Press Night of Cameron Mackintosh’s joyous new production of HALF A SIXPENCE which reunites the amazing creative talents behind his practically perfect Mary Poppins; writer Julian Fellowes (the busiest man in the West End) and songwriters George Styles and Anthony Drewe. Based on the 1960’s musical version of HG Wells’s 1905 novel, the show tells the hilarious and heart-warming story of Arthur Kipps, played by 22-yearold Londoner Charlie Stemp, one of the brightest new stars to light up London’s West End for decades.

And with magnificent musical numbers such as If the Rain’s Got to Fall, Flash, Bang Wallop, and Pick Out A Simple Tune bringing the House down night after night it is no-wonder that this magical musical has been winning five-star reviews from audiences and critics alike.

13

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

West End show set for Holiday Village

The Lion King celebrates enters 18th triumphant year at Lyceum Theatre DISNEY’S award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 18th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre.

Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday October 19, 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 14 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production.

It has also become the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are on sale until April 2017 for individual bookings and September 2017 for group bookings.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by over 85 million people across six continents.

One of the world’s most innovative directors, Taymor brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask and movement.

THE LION KING was the first musical she directed in the commercial theatre and Julie made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award®

MILL Rythe Holiday Village is looking forward to a bumper 2017 with a range of new weekend breaks, one of which will feature a production straight from London’s West End – a first for a British holiday park.

Topping the bill of new experiences for 2017 is the three-night Primo Weekender, which will include a performance of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and takes place from March 31 to April 3.

Head of group sales, Cathy Murphy, said: “The entertainment team at Mill Rythe have been working hard with our creative director Max Barraclough and the CEO of Away Resorts, Carl Castledine, to create the entertainment break of the

future.

“We are so proud to have come up with the Primo Weekender concept, which aims to provide a packed daytime programme of experiences and eclectic line-up of acts in the evenings, some of which our guests will also enjoy for the first time.

“And we are over the moon to be able to be the first holiday park in the UK to bring a bit of the West End to our guests with the touring production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

“This weekender is definitely going to challenge people’s perceptions of what a mini entertainment-themed break at a holiday park should be.”

for ‘Best Director of a Musical’.

The show’s full creative team, all of whom won Tony Awards® for their work on THE LION KING, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show for British audiences.

Julie and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets.

Scenic design is by leading British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder.

Costume design is by Julie Taymor and choreography by Garth Fagan.

The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers.

As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.

Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film.

The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and the haunting ‘Shadowland’.

Dreamgirls has opened in London’s West End starring American actress and singer Amber Riley as Effie White. She is joined in Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre by Liisi LaFontaine as Deena Jones and Ibinabo Jack as Lorrell Robinson; making up the soulful singing trio, The Dreams. The show transports audiences to a revolutionary time in American music history, charting the tumultuous journey of a young female singing trio from Chicago as they learn the hard lesson that show business is as tough as it is fabulous. Dreamgirls features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, I Am Changing, Listen and One Night Only.

Photo credit: Greg Williams

West End to host classic tale Hit musical Kinky Boots has won the London Lifestyle Award for Theatre Show of the Year. The awards celebrate the best of the lifestyle industry, with 20 awards handed out to the lucky recipients.

The show is currently playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End. Photo credit: Helen Maybanks 14

THE Wind in the Willows will open in the West End at the London Palladium next year; previewing from June 17 2017.

Comedian, actor and presenter Rufus Hound stars as Mr Toad in the new musical based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic, which reunites Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Full casting will be announced shortly.

Producer Jamie Hendry said: “Following wonderful receptions in Plymouth and Manchester where The Wind in the Willows has delighted adults and children alike, I’m thrilled that a wider audience will be able to share in the joy of this glorious new musical at the London Palladium.”

DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY

Tourism Society marks 40th anniversary year with series of events targeting the future

By John Bridge IF WHAT they say is true and life really does begin at 40, The Tourism Society sure has a lot to look forward to.

A fact one can easily draw given the association’s success in the first 39 years of its being.

With over 1,000 active members across the country in all manner of tourism roles, since its inception the Tourism Society has become known as the place for the industry to come together, share best practice and learn. And that shows no signs of stopping.

As we all know, every 40th birthday needs marking in a particularly special way.

Most people would achieve this with a party and an opportunity to reflect on what has passed. Not at the Tourism Society.

The organisation is keen to look to the future and is taking the chance to celebrate with a year’s worth of exciting events, culminating in a massive celebration in the Autumn.

But more of that in future editions of Destination UK. In the early part of 2017 The Society puts the emphasis onto the future with a series of events promoting continual growth and learning in our industry.

On Tuesday 17th January ‘Prospects’ will take place in central London.

This fast paced debate style event featuring a number of industry leaders will showcase upcoming trends, opportunities and challenges that Tourism will face in the coming year.

Many have come to regard the event a ‘must do’ as a way to hone their thinking, perfect strategies for the coming months and make use of best practice, listening to the lively conversation of the panel.

A highlight of the Society’s year has always been the annual black tie gala dinner at the Palace of Westminster.

This year’s event will take place in the House of Lords on Wednesday 26th March. With its dining room overlooking the Thames, it’s a perfect setting to celebrate all elements of the British Tourism industry.

Closing the first half of this anniversary year, the Society moves north to Edinburgh for its annual Symposium.

Scheduled to take place on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th June.

The event is ideally timed as the city celebrates the 70th anniversary of the emergence of the Edinburgh Festivals and the 250th anniversary of the creation of the city’s New Town.

On hearing the news that the Society had awarded Edinburgh

John Bridge, Tourism Society Board member. the bid, Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, supporting communities and creating jobs, and we are delighted that the Tourism Society has awarded the 2017 Symposium to Edinburgh.”

The feeling is obviously mutual, with much interest already being registered in the exciting event, now bookable through the Tourism Society’s website.

Malcolm continues: “It is a fitting time to shine the spotlight on Scotland, and we look forward to welcoming delegates to the capital to experience the very best that this country has to offer.”

The conference brings together tourism professionals from across the UK for a series of seminars, lively debates, key note speeches, networking opportunities and familiarization tours highlighting the best of what the host city and surrounding area has to offer.

Previous symposia have taken place in Liverpool, Birmingham and Kent.

Speakers from across the International tourism industry offering their thoughts on what the future holds. 2017 will be no different as the Society looks forward to its next 40 years of shared experience in travel.

Tourism Society events are open to members and non-members alike, with members benefitting from special rates.

The events offer insight that individuals at any stage in their career will be able to take something from.

It is certain that many of us hope that our careers in tourism are as long and illustrious as that of the Tourism Society, unless we win the lottery, that is.

Putting that dream aside for a moment, one way to achieve a goal of being at the forefront of the industry is to grow and learn

continually in order to stay ahead.

Much as the Tourism Society and its members have done for the last 40 years and will continue to do for many more to come.

So, here’s to the future…

For further information head to

www.tourismsociety.org n John Bridge is director at TravelBeat Ltd, Board member of The Tourism Society and recently has recognised by TTG as one of their 30 under 30s this year, which looks for ‘tomorrows’ travel leaders.

Event Calendar 2017 The Tourism Society is where individuals from across all sectors of the Visitor Economy come together (online and offline) for discussion, debate, to share views and knowledge, and to network.

We will have some great events taking place throughout 2017 and all are open to both members of the Tourism Society and nonmembers.

Join us and add your voice to the conversations.

For your diary: January 17th – Prospects for 2017 March 29th – Annual Dinner at the House of Lords June 5th and 6th – Tourism Symposium, Edinburgh

Tickets and more details at www.tourismsociety.org or call 0203 696 8330 15