Following increasing concern about the developing coronavirus situation, British Tourism & Travel Show organisers Diversified Communications UK, has consulted with the industry and decided to postpone the event to 11-12 June (Thursday - Friday) 2020, at the NEC Birmingham. The British Coach Tourism Awards have also been moved, to take place on the second day of the show, Friday 12 June at the National Motorcycle Museum. 

Carsten Holm, managing director of Diversified Communications UK, comments: “The British Tourism & Travel Show is the single most important business event for the domestic tourism sector and despite the current problems, the industry is well placed to benefit from the increasing popularity of staycation and exploring the UK, in favour of overseas destinations. The event is where our industry meets to explore new attractions and destinations, network, learn and do business, so this decision has not been taken lightly.

“The media reaction to the outbreak is unprecedented and I think you will agree that it is not a climate in which we want to hold the show.  The success, as well as the safety, of our exhibitors and visitors, have always been our priority and this continues to be the case. We are a strong community and I know everyone will get behind this decision.

“We fully understand and appreciate the level of planning that is required to attend and are so grateful that visitor registration has stayed strong despite the unprecedented media coverage surrounding COVID-19.  The British Tourism & Travel Show would like to thank everyone - our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their continued support and patience during this challenging time.  I know that the community will continue to support each other during these difficult weeks, and we look forward to seeing you in June, for what we hope will be the best celebration our industry has seen for many years,” says Holm.

Despite the date change, feedback from the industry is positive:

“I just wanted to say as a long term award sponsor and supporter of  the British Coach Tourism Awards we were obviously disappointed to learn of the understandable and correct decision to postpone both the BCTA and BTTS, all the team involved at Diversified have acted in such a timely, professional and usual friendly manner in the spirit of the great partnership we enjoy in this amazing industry. We are so pleased to already have the new date to look forward to,” says Tony Lincoln, European sales and marketing director at Planet Hollywood International.

“Here at Group Travel World we fully support this decision and thank you for informing us in plenty of time and we look forward to attending the show in June,” says Emma Parkes, marketing and subscriptions executive at Group Travel World Magazine.

“We totally understand your position and of course it goes without saying that you continue to have our full support at this very difficult time,” says Andrew Day, business development director at Wrightsure Services (Hampshire).

“Thanks for the update – a difficult decision that I’m sure has been quite stressful for you all.  Already looking forward to June,” says Lucy Elvin, business development associate at Birmingham Museums Trust.

“Sorry to hear the news and I know this decision won’t have been taken without some extensive analysis of the situation, on balance and having seen some in-depth analysis of the current status,” says Andy Warrender, coaching manager from Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

British Tourism & Travel Show – trade registration still open

British Tourism & Travel Show will take place at NEC Birmingham on the new dates of 11-12 June 2020.   For more information and to register for a free ticket, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk and use priority code PR1 (direct link: https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/BTTS2020.aspx?TrackingCode=PR1).