Tourism bosses from around Staffordshire gathered at an iconic venue in the Potteries last week that was once the home of Josiah Wedgwood. Historic Etruria Hall – part of the Best Western PLUS Stoke-on-Trent Moat House Hotel – hosted a get-together of likeminded attractions, destinations and businesses to look at group travel in and around the county of Staffordshire.

Attendees included delegates from the World of Wedgwood; Staffordshire County Council; Lichfield Cathedral; Stoke-on-Trent City Council; the Best Western Plus Stoke-on-Trent Moat House Hotel; the National Memorial Arboretum; Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Lichfield District Council – with UK travel trade specialists Steve Reed Tourism from Hampshire (www.stevereedtourism.co.uk) as the facilitator.

The purpose of the event was to look at new and emerging trends in group travel and coach tourism – whilst deciding on the way forward for tourism businesses across Staffordshire. Staffordshire is well known as a county rich in heritage attractions and scenic beauty. It also lies conveniently in the middle of the country with superb road and rail links. Many groups have made Staffordshire their destination of choice over the years because of these factors and now plans are afoot to build upon and enhance the experience of group travellers to the area. Cross county group travel promotion taking in the area’s historic towns, rich industrial heritage and modern tourist attractions and events were examined.

For more on planning a trip to the region contact Andrea Sammons or Joanne Lloyd at Staffordshire County Council, email info@enjoystaffordshire.com

PHOTO: Delegates at the Staffordshire Group Day at the entrance to Etruria Hall