SEE the exciting and dynamic RDA Workshop in Cologne, Germany in August with Coach Tourism Professional and leading coach tour wholesaler ICT.

The RDA show takes place from 7-9 August and features more than 1,300 exhibitors from 36 countries presenting and selling their latest products and services. Exhibitors include hotel groups, family-run hotels, theme parks, visitor attractions, carriers, gastronomy and transport services, tourist boards and coach manufacturers. The show spans an area of 55,000 sq metres.

If you’ve never been to the show- this is really a must-see for any serious coach tour operator. You’ll get chance to see representatives from many organisations who rarely exhibit outside of mainland Europe, and most can also speak English! Be one step ahead by finding out new products.

CTP and the RDA have teamed up with ICT and its ABTA- and ATOL-bonded sister company South Quay Travel and Leisure to provide a unique package to bona fide operators and their partners to see the workshop for themselves.

RDA’s Dr Patrick Patridge and a CTP representative will be on hand to assist you with making the most of your visit.

The three day package costs from just £159* per person including low-cost flight from London Stansted, two nights accommodation and buffet breakfast at the Hotel Kosmos Cologne, welcome drink at the hotel, welcome reception at the RDA Workshop, accompanied tour of the show with a light lunch.
Heathrow flights available at a supplement of £40* per person.

* Prices are subject to change due to the low-cost supplements that are changing from day-to-day.

Dinner in Cologne on the second night will be part-sponsored but will be settled individually.

We’ve not included travel insurance as you will probably have your own, but if not please ask for assistance, you should ensure you are covered.

This tour is being operated by South Quay Travel and Leisure Ltd who are a fully bonded Tour Operator with ABTA and ATOL licences. Terms and conditions will be provided on request.

Cheques payable to South Quay Travel and Leisure to be sent to: South Quay Travel and Leisure, Studio’s 20/21 Colmans Wharf, 45 Morris Road, London E14 6PA.

Credit cards are accepted but subject to 3% charge. Please call Elle on 020 7510 2929 to make your reservation.

www.busandcoach.com

BUILDING on the success of the 2006 International Group Leisure & Travel Show, which was staged at Birmingham's NEC for the first time in its eleven year history, organisers YPL Exhibitions are reminding visitors and exhibitors to diary and plan for the 2007 event now. Taking place over the two days of 20th & 21st September 2007 in Hall 10, over 75% of the show exhibition space is already booked and visitor pre-registration is about to go live.

Show analysis from 2006 has revealed that 91% of last year's visitors felt that they had met the right sort of exhibitor, with 94% of the 2006 visitors stating that they would probably attend the 2007 show. Visitors found the registration process simple and easy to use and also confirmed that the September/October timing of the International Group Leisure & Travel Show suited their planning schedule each year.

Exhibitors for the 2007 event have also shown their commitment to the show with new stands booking every day. Exhibition sales manager Sharon Yandell explained: "Analysis has illustrated that the group travel market has a remarkable spending power, with visitors to the 2006 event being responsible for 2.5million consumer visits in the UK and overseas every year. Therefore for the small outlay for a stand at the show, exhibitors are able to capitalise on this important market and communicate with it".

Providing a modern user friendly medium where business is able to flourish is the prime focus of the exhibition and the organisers are dedicated to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. The provision of the VIP Lounge, free internet centre and free bacon butty breakfast and afternoon tea, are all on the agenda once more for 2007, and again will be complemented by free parking for pre registered GTO's and coach operators and selective free coach transport. The stage will have a range of attractions including a London West End hit show.

Exhibition organiser Emma Cash has the final word: "It's all about exceeding expectations. Following such a successful show in 2006, the pressure is on for us to not only deliver more of the same high standards that our exhibitors and visitors have come to expect from the show, but to surpass them. And we don't plan on disappointing anyone!"

More information on the exhibition can be found at www.leisureshow.com or by contacting either Sharon or Emma on 01908 613323.

www.leisureshow.com

THE Ricoh Arena in Coventry was the venue for this year’s CTC AGM and board elections, held in May, in conjunction with a get together for all coach operators. A large number of CTC members turned out for this important occasion as it was a major opportunity for members to quiz the board and also vote for those industry colleagues whom they want to represent them on the board over the next three years.

More than 40 industry suppliers including hotels, ferry operators, tourist offices, attractions and tour wholesalers participated in the morning and afternoon workshop

CTC also operated a familiarisation visit last month to Belvoir Castle, near Grantham, and an overnight stay at the elegant Marriott hotel at Leicester was very well received by CTC members. Members were greeted by the Duke of Rutland and given a tour of the Castle and an entertaining pork pie demonstration by Stephen Hallam of the Olde Pork Pie Shoppe of Melton Mowbray, the oldest pork pie bakery in the UK, took place in the Castle’s kitchen. In the evening David Mealing and Sarah Goldborough of Marriott entertained the group with a drinks reception and dinner.

New CTC members include The Imperial War Museum, which incorporates attractions in London as well as outside the capital: the award winning Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museum Duxford and the much acclaimed Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. Also telling stories about attractions and places of interest and covering the major highways of the UK and the continent is new member Turning Points, producer of Soundscape GPS- triggered audio commentaries, ideal for short breaks and holidays operated by coach tour companies.

www.coachtourismcouncil.co.uk