The Coach Tourism Association’s Winter Networking event is set for 23-25 November in Blackpool, based at The Imperial Hotel.

Though it’s for members only, coach tour operators can join the CTA for as little as £275 for the year, with a whole raft of benefits including regular networking, seminars, familiarisation trips and a chance to quiz the ‘hive mind’ of the industry.

Booking is now open for the event. On Saturday afternoon, CTA members can enjoy afternoon tea at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom courtesy of Merlin Attractions. On Sunday morning, the event includes a Fam trip to the National Trust’s Rufford Old Hall, with lunch at the Offshore Hotel in Lytham St Annes, and travel courtesy of Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours.

Later in the day, delegates will visit Christmas by the Sea and return to the hotel on a vintage tram, organized by Visit Blackpool. On Sunday evening, visitors will enjoy a reception and networking dinner, including a Showtime with West End star Nicholas Duncan, sponsored by CN Live Productions, and after dinner drinks sponsored by Irish Ferries.

The event concludes on Monday morning with an informal Supplier Showcase.

Across the weekend, CTA guests also have complimentary entry to the High Jinx circus, as well as Merlin Attractions’ Madame Tussauds, and Sealife Blackpool. Optional Friday night accommodation on 22 November is also available.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

FRI 22 NOV

Optional extra night for delegates making weekend of it

Accommodation on BB basis – dinner available at The Imperial Hotel at £25pp plus vat.

SAT 23 NOV

Delegate arrivals (Package A)

12.30 Afternoon tea at Tower Ballroom

14.30 High Jinx circus

Optional visits at leisure to:

• Madame Tussauds 10.00-17.00

• Sealife Blackpool 10.00-16.00

19.00 Dinner at The Imperial Hotel

SUN 24 NOV

09.30 Fam trip departs to National Trust’s Rufford Old Hall, returning via Lytham St Annes including lunch, transport by Brethertons Gold Line Holidays.

AM Delegate arrivals (Package B)

14.00 Fam trip returns for drop-off at Blackpool Tower.

14.30 High Jinx circus – pre-booking required

16.00 Visit ‘Christmas by the Sea’ with welcome drink sponsored by Visit Blackpool

17.30 Return to the Imperial Hotel via Vintage Tram

19.00 Reception at The Imperial Hotel

19.45 Networking Dinner at The Imperial Hotel

After-dinner entertainment by CN Live Productions

After-dinner drinks sponsored by Irish Ferries

Optional visits at leisure to:

• Madame Tussauds 10.00am-16.00pm

• Sealife Blackpool 10.00am-16.00pm

MON 25 NOV

09.30 Supplier Showcase

12.30 Lunch and departures