Practical Ways to Attract Group Business Presented by Jamie Cash Project Development Director, Landor Travel Publications

The three different types of group Business, Conference & Incentive Educational Groups Leisure Groups

Groups, like the people in them, can come in many shapes and sizes! Some groups are created by an organiser e.g. Sports & Social Clubs, Retirement Associations, Special Interest Groups Some groups are collected by a supplier e.g. Coach Operators, Incoming Tour Operators, Newspaper Travel Clubs

They pay less per head, so why do you want groups business? They cost less to reach than individuals They can visit at quiet times Most popular months - September, May & June They are reliable and easy to administer c ome when they say with who they say They pay quickly! They can reduce congestion and pollution 1 coach = 20 cars Big business – GTOs £180m

How can you attract more groups? Its cheaper More value for money To do something I couldnt do on my own It makes life easier to let someone else do the thinking Its more fun to go with people I know Why do people want to travel in a group?

Practical ways to deal with groups Clear booking system Nominated groups co-ordinator Issue a confirmation Free admission policy Free refreshment policy Other catering options Packaging with other venues Accurate pre-visit information Risk assessment

What else can you offer a group? Guided tour Refreshments on arrival Personal introduction to audio tour Early or late admission Somewhere not normally open to visitors Object handling, costumes Discount voucher for the shop A personal welcome and goodbye Somewhere for the coach - drop off & park

Avoiding the queues! Timed tickets Hand out tickets on the coach Stagger a large group with other venue Group admission desk Pre-book catering Queues for the loos! Use the coach for arrival and departure

Look after the coach driver, but dont forget the person who brought you the business! Offer the group organiser similar concessions as you offer the coach driver Make sure theres something special for the group to make their visit memorable Make it easy for the group organiser

13 th & 14 th March - NEC Now youve got this great product – so let everyone know about it! Trade shows and days out fairs Direct mail / Work with your tourism organisation Publications 27 th Jan - Wilton House 24 th Feb - Woburn Abbey 3 rd Feb – Bolton (Reebok Stadium) 13 th Jan - Alexandra Palace

Introducing Independently audited magazine serving the group travel market In our 18 th year of publication providing news, information and ideas especially for the group travel organiser GTO is the supporting publication or sponsor for the following major group travel shows: British Travel Trade Fair Great Days Out Fair Three Tourism South East Group Travel Fairs Essex Tourism & Leisure Show GTO is the co-organiser, with Tourism South East, of Excursions 2007

Who reads GTO?

Free coverage in the magazine – send us a press release It must be new to be news Make it relevant for groups Relevant images to accompany the text Send it in plenty of time Show previews Group Gossip You Write On The Move

Not only Group Travel Organiser magazine!

Why groups business is important They cost less to reach than individuals They can visit at quiet times They are reliable and easy to administer They pay quickly! They can reduce congestion and pollution Big business

How to get groups business The personal touch Offer something extra Groups are made up of individuals Let the organisers know what you have on offer Make it easy for the group organiser