b2me Fam Visit To The ArcelorMittal Orbit

On September 30, GTW attended a familiarisation trip - hosted by b2me Tourism Marketing - to the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The ArcelorMittal Orbit holds the title of ‘Britain’s Largest Sculpture,’ stretching a total height of 114.5metres, with a viewing platform at 80metres. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, the looping structure was built in 2012 as an icon of the London Olympics. Its outer grey spiral consists of 445 steps - which take approximately 10 minutes to climb – echoing authentic sounds of local events as you advance.

Panoramic view of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

For coach tours, there are five bays situated adjacent where visitors can get a nice view of the attraction upon their approach. Visitors will need to enter under an 80tonne bell shaped figurine artistically used to represent darkness. Once aboard the viewing platform, sights span 20miles from the East, and guests can marvel at the concave mirrors which flip the skyline.

ArcelorMittal Orbit’s restaurant, East Twenty, is located at the base of the structure. East Twenty can easily cater for groups, with discounts available for parties of 15+. Recently launched is a new Afternoon Tea option, which can be taken on the terrace overlooking the park if desired.

Suitable for groups of 8+, this must be organised at least five days in advance. Christmas offerings come inclusive of 10% discounted entry to the attraction. For bookings contact Melissa Smith on 020 8221 9107 or email tickets@arcelormittalorbit.com

Group Leisure Awards & Group Leisure Travel Trade Show

On September 24, GTW attended the Group Leisure Awards 2014, which took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The Group Leisure Awards 2014 was celebrated by some of the top names in the travel industry and GTW would like to extend their thanks to the GTOA and The London Bridge Experience for inviting us to attend. The lavish ceremony anticipated the Group Leisure Travel Trade Show 2014, held on September 25 at NEC Birmingham. GTW exhibited at Stand 411 and had a very successful run – we all look forward to seeing you again next year. Visit www.groupleisure.com/awards to find out more about Group Leisure Travel Trade Show 2015.

TSE Announce 2015 Regional Group Travel Exhibitions

Tourism South East (TSE) kicks off proceedings at The South West Group Travel Show, hosted at the Winter Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday, February 7. The South West Group Travel Show boasts more than 70 attractions, destinations and accommodation providers under one roof. There is free admission and complimentary coach transfer operating to/from the show, with 17 pick-up locations to choose from. Groups can book onto the overnight familiarisation trip coinciding with the show for just £70pp. Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Group Travel Fair is the first of its kind, scheduled to take place at The Ageas Bowl in Hampshire on Saturday, February 14 from 1000hrs to 1400hrs. Groups visiting can book onto guided tours of the venue and enjoy a complimentary heritage bus transfer and an afternoon drinks reception at the SeaCity Museum.

A Hampshire familiarisation weekend will take place alongside the show for just £55pp. On March 7, the final Tourism South East event is scheduled to take place at Painshill Landscape Garden in Surrey, where visitors will get the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the grounds. For more information visit www.visitsoutheastengland.com/grouptravelfairs