Southern Wales last week [21-23 January] hosted the cream of the UK travel industry.

Arranged by Southern Wales Tourism in conjunction with group travel specialists Steve Reed Tourism Ltd; Mainline Coaches; the National Museum Cardiff; the Best Western Heronston Hotel in Bridgend, Great Western Railways and working with attractions across the region, the event proved to be a big success.

This was the fourth successive familiarisation event to showcase the hotels, attractions and venues of South Wales and the organisers think that this was the best yet. Vicky Jones is the Project Officer for Southern Wales Tourism:

‘The Showcase put buyers of group tours together with the people who wish to have groups visiting them – hotels and attractions. This year we had a great mix of tour buyers, coach and tour operators, group travel organisers and inbound operators too.

‘And the attractions we visited really put out the red carpet for the attendees – they couldn’t have done better in providing what was a truly memorable experience for all,’ says Vicky.

Some of the delegates enjoyed a fam’ visit to a variety of group attractions including Llanerch Vineyard where the group took in a tour, a Welsh themed dinner and wine tasting.

Sunday saw visits to the National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon, the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and The Angel Hotel Abergavenny.

After the Showcase on the Monday in the wonderful setting of the National Museum Cardiff, the buyers went to Cardiff Castle for a tour and an entertaining banquet.

Tuesday saw the attendees sample a superb tour of the Welsh Mining Experience at the Rhondda Heritage Park. Visits to Cyfarthfa Castle for a tour and lunch preceded Lancaiach Fawr Manor where the event concluded.