CTA annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon launched

Bookings have opened for the Coach Tourism Association’s CTA Conference & Workshop 2025, taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, Saturday 8 to Tuesday 11 February 2025. The most popular event in the UK coach tourism calendar, the previous Conference attracted record attendance with over 200 CTA members.

The CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 features DFDS as Gold Sponsor, and Trust My Travel as Silver sponsor. The event is open to CTA members, and bookings by 31 October will receive a special Early Bird rate. New members are welcome to join the organisation and attend.

The Meet the Buyer workshop will help you get to know the broadest choice of supplier

Designed to develop new coach tourism product, the event includes the Meet the Buyer Workshop. Featuring a series of ten-minute meetings between CTA buyer members, including coach operators and wholesalers, and supplier members, such as hotels, attractions, and service providers, the 2024 event totalled a record 860 meetings.

Central to the proceedings is the Conference session, which will include an expert speaker line up discussing hot topics facing the sector. This also gives the chance for all CTA members to have their say and includes a Question & Answer session.

To inspire new trips and tours, the CTA Conference & Workshop 2025 will host a series of familiarisation trips, presenting a range of new and updated attractions. Key to Stratford’s tourism is the legacy of the nation’s most famous playwright, and attractions including Shakespeare’s Birthplace and houses, as well as a reception at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, will feature. The event will also take in visits to Shakespeare Distillery, as well as nearby Coventry’s St. Mary’s Guildhall.

The event is based at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon and includes optional pre-event accommodation at Vine Hotels’ Clarion Charlcote Pheasant hotel . As well as networking opportunities across the weekend, attendees will also enjoy dinner at the spectacular setting of the RSC theatre’s Rooftop Restaurant , overlooking the River Avon.

“The CTA Conference & Workshop has grown to become the sector’s most important event of the year, not just to develop new product, but to push the industry forward in finding ways to overcome shared challenges,” says CTA Chair, Robert Shaw. “Following record attendance at the 2024 Conference, and on the back of the forward industry momentum recently reported, we have high hopes that next year’s event will be one of the best yet. Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire have a lot to offer coach groups, and the 2025 Conference is a great occasion to sample the highlights.”

Valor Hotels and Vine Hotels/Clarion Charlecote Pheasant hotel, as well as the fam trip hosts, will be available to speak to. Further sponsorship options are still available, and interested brands should contact CTA’s Helen Bowron at [email protected]

The event is open only to members, but coach tour operators can join for as little as £275 a year and enjoy all the benefits, such as access to the exclusive CTA database of members, a FREE listing on the website and annual handbook, and huge discounts on events. To join the CTA, visit https://coachtourismassociation.co.uk/join-the-cta/ To find out more about the event and to book, visit: https://coachtourismassociation.co.uk/stratford2025/