Great West Way has announced the launch of its latest Great West Way Travel Trade Directory. This comprehensive Directory serves as a one-stop resource for intermediaries seeking to delve into the heart of the Great West Way and its array of things to do, streamlining the process of curating enticing itineraries, forging partnerships with suppliers, and showcasing the region’s charm to curious travellers.
The fifth edition brings to light not only prominent destinations along the route, but also hidden gems in close proximity. New highlights, specialist tours and attractions and a new Stately Homes, Palaces, and Castles itinerary offers inspiration for those creating new programmes. With a meticulous assessment of attractions, activities, accommodations and dining options, the Directory boasts a comprehensive compilation of approx. 500 up-to-date supplier listings, ranging from the less well known to the more prominent players in the tourism sector.
Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade said, “This latest edition of the Travel Trade Directory stands as our most invaluable asset yet – a veritable compendium of information catering to trade professionals keen on curating experiences within and around the Great West Way.
“Packed with inspirational concepts and vital contacts, it empowers buyers to cultivate and present distinctive and exhilarating tourism experiences for their clients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to aiding these intermediaries, striving to optimise bookable programs that entice a growing number of travellers to explore and savour the wonders strewn along this magnificent touring route.”
With over 100 Great West Way Official Tour Operators and over 80 bookable programmes being distributed in over 20 countries, the Great West Way team are playing a key role in product development and distribution, generating an estimated £14.2 million in additional visitor spend along the route.
Developing partnerships is key to this success, sharing best practice and tactical activity through a Great West Way Connections Travel Trade sector group supporting 115 tourism businesses and destinations.
Copies of the Directory will be available at the popular annual Great West Way Marketplace event, which is now open for buyers to register. This hybrid event will run from 15 – 19 November 2023 and aims to facilitate business between buyers and suppliers.
The award-winning Great West Way travel trade team is now uniquely positioned among DMOs to offer an added-value travel trade industry support service to buyers and suppliers and is offering 1:1 advice and support to over 225 Great West Way Ambassador businesses on how to work with the international travel trade. The team is also offering continued support for the Great West Way Official Tour Operator network, including a travel trade help desk, ongoing engagement and communications, troubleshooting, itinerary development and personal introductions to suppliers.
The trade engagement service is a great option for businesses who need additional support, over what they already get as an Ambassador, in developing trade contacts, distributing product and securing new business. Giving enhanced access to, and leveraging the trusted advisor relationships with the trade is often hard for the individual suppliers to achieve.
The digital Travel Trade Directory is being distributed to over 2,000 key intermediaries via exhibitions and events, as well as industry partners including UKinbound and ETOA. There is also continued commitment from VisitBritain/VisitEngland to distribute Great West Way via their marketing channels and overseas offices.
Click here to discover the interactive edition of the Directory.
