BTW 2011 Calendar of Events

Grand Hall, Olympia London

9.30-17.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Exhibition

Travel Trade

Building on its 2009 success, Best of Britain & Ireland Travel Trade Forum will bring together an exclusive, trade-only audience of domestic travel professionals from across the industry at London’s Olympia, Wednesday 17th – Thursday 18th March 2010. As the essential annual industry showcase, the event offers unrivalled opportunities to: * Secure new business and develop existing relationships with an extensive range of over 330 exhibitors. * Discover the latest industry developments, source new ideas and form strategic partnerships. * Network with your counterparts from across the travel industry. * Listen to innovative and frank debates, participate in workshops with major industry players. * Find inspiration from invaluable seminars and new product on the show floor.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

10.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Launch

Travel Trade

Opening ceremony. The official launch of the Travel Trade Event of the Year and the highlight of British Tourism Week. Senior British and Irish ministers will open the 2010 Best of Britain & Ireland Trade Forum.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

11.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

Your chance to quiz political leaders in the crucial run-up to the general election. Panelists: Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE, MP, Minister for Culture, Creative Industries & Tourism; Don Foster MP, Shadow Secretary of State, Liberal Democrats; John Lewis OBE, Chair, Conservative Tourism Taskforce; and Martin Cullen, Irish Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism. Chaired by Bernard Donoghue, Head of Government and Public Affairs, VisitBritain.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

13.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Other

Travel Trade

A chance for everyone to relax for 20 minutes with a short and lively celebration of Irish music, song and dance.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

14.30

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

A concept that’s very familiar across Europe, but relatively unknown in the UK. A panel of holiday industry leaders: Naomi Woodstock from Bourne Leisure and John McDonald, Director of the Family Holiday Association explain its importance and how different sectors of the tourism industry can benefit from being involved.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

11.15 - 11.45

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

The TAS Partnership's Chris Cheek gives coach operators an onsight into how to maximise their web presence. He gives examples of low-cost solutions, maximising search engine effectiveness and how to avoid the many pitfalls for the unwary web newcomer. A must for all coach operators looking to build an essential website for their business.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

14.45 - 15.15

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

A seminar on how to best insure against the possible liabilities incurred in the role of group travel organiser. Speakers: Paul Harrison, Belmont International. Insurance; Liam Barry, Hiscox Insurance.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

12.00 – 13.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Launch

Travel Trade

To open the Sustainable Tourism Suite 2010, this session looks at the past, present and future of sustainable tourism Britain and Ireland. We'll hear about the industry innovations that are helping to reduce the environmental and social impact of tourism and the people who are creating ways to package the sustainable holidays of the future. This session will include a drop-in surgery hosted by the national tourism bodies. Come and talk to them about introducing and improving sustainability practices within your tourism business. Speakers: Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland; Martin Carey, Mourne Heritage Trust; Stephen Bristow MBE, Green Wood Forest Park, Gwynned; Carol Gleeson, The Burren Connect Project; and Manda Brookman, CoaST.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

13.30 – 14.30

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

Geared at coach operators and group organisers, this session will help define what is meant by nature tourism and what are the barriers and opportunities of accessing this growing market in the UK and Ireland. Speakers: Duncan Mackay, Natural England; Sally Dowden, Speyside Wildlife and Wild Scotland; Helen Noble, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

15.00 – 17.00

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Conference

Travel Trade

This interactive workshop will be led by Dr Xavier Font of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University. It will help participants to gather ideas and focus on ways to create effective messages around sustainability including case studies for attractions and accommodation providers.

Grand Hall, Olympia London

From 17.30

Melissa Saunders

BoB Events Ltd

020 7424 7890

melissa@bobevents.co.uk

Reception

Travel Trade

Hosted by the national tourist boards of Britain and Ireland. Please join us at the Hand and Flower Pub from 5.30pm. Venue: Function Room, Hand and Flower Pub, 1 Hammersmith Road, Kensington Olympia, London, W14 8XJ. Tel. 020 7371 4105. The Hand and Flower Pub is located just opposite the Olympia Exhibition Centre. As you exit Olympia Tube Station turn left along Olympia Way and you will see the venue on the corner on the main road. The function room is located upstairs.

BOBI Olympia

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

Explore the amazing views at the edge of our islands. Learn about the newly accessible coastal footpath and cast your net into the sea to sample the fish caught around our shores. South West Blue Badge Guide Chrissie Le Marchant brings the traditional seaside holiday bang up to date.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

Stone circles, mist-covered mountains, legendary heroes and scenery to set your soul free. You won’t need Giant’s Footsteps to follow Cornish Blue Badge Guide Janie Dymock from John o’ Groats to Lands End via Wales and Ireland.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registererd Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

The hills and dales, ups and downs, fells and moors, and the rivers running through them – breathe in some fresh air as Heart of England Blue Badge Guide Ian Jelf reveals his favourite places.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

The perfect spot to sip a scotch overlooking the West Highland Way? Sausage wars between Lincolnshire and Cumbria? The Cherry Ripe trail in Kent and the best National Trust afternoon teas? Geordie Blue Badge Guide Laura Rhodes brings you the answers with a walk bursting with flavours.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

London Blue Badge Guide Clarissa Fell brings to life foul deeds from our violent history with tales of executions, murders, battles and ghosts. By the end of this walk you’ll “remember, remember” to avoid the Scavenger’s Daughter and watch out for the great bear and flying hornet’s nests.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

They come in stone, brick, glass, steel and straw. Towers, bridges, palaces, observatories, cathedrals and even a Taj Mahal. It’s definitely not grim up north on a guided walk with Manchester Blue Badge Guide Sue Grimditch.

BOBI

Throughout the day

Julie Tan

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

We all need a little luxury in our lives. It’s a tough job but someone had to research the luxury BOBI guided walk. Blue Badge Guide Donna Nathan will share the secrets of where to find sumptuous hotels, hand made chocolates, fine wines and whiskies - all the ingredients you need to create special personal experiences and indulge in the very best of Britain and Ireland.

BoBI, Olympia

Throughout the day

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

020 7403 1115

guild@blue-badge.org.uk

Guided Tour/Walk

All

Active spectator, adrenaline junkie or an armchair enthusiast: we have something for everybody on our free guided walk of the active theme stands. Energetic Londoner and Blue Badge Guide Andy Rashleigh is keen to tempt you off your sofa!