1. Meeting the needs of touring groups Andrew Lancey

2. Great British Trips - Background  UK/Ireland Inbound Tour operator since 2010  Company founded by Andrew and Ruth Lancey in 2010 following a ‘Round the world trip’!  Concept: Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples and families (Known as FIT tours).  Our team plan a tour based on selections and email a quote and itinerary  Soon doing this for ad-hoc private groups wanting a bespoke approach  Over 3000 totally unique itineraries planned and arranged to date

3. Great British Trips  Website Launched September 2010

4. Great British Trips Over 70 destination pages Add attractions/activities to itinerary

5. Great British Trips- Services (FIT and groups)  Accommodation: (Guest houses, Hotels, Cottages, Apartments…)  Transport: Hire cars, train travel, coach  Attractions  Events tickets (sports, theatre, seasonal events)  Meals  Local Tour guides / Driver guides / Tour leaders

6. Great British Trips - Statistics

7. Where are our groups coming from?  United States  Singapore  Malaysia  Canada  India  Australia  Brazil  Argentina  Germany  Denmark  China  Hong Kong  Czech Republic  Tailored Sightseeing  Cultural Tours  Educational Tours  Special Interest Tours  Christian Heritage Tours What are the groups doing?

8. Brandsunder Great Trips Limited www.greatbritishtrips.com Website launched 2010 www.greatirishtrips.com Website launched 2012 www.solotripstogether.com Website launched 2015

9. Challenges when dealing with overseas groups  Language  Poor geographical knowledge of UK  Tendency to assume quicker travel times  Tendency to cram too much in  Cultural differences  Types of hotel preferred  How busy the itinerary is  Daily Start times / finish times  Food type / meal times

10. Possible solutions for overseas groups  Language issues  Foreign language tour guides  Audio self guide systems  Lack of geographical/travelling knowledge  Help plan the itinerary for them  Manage expectations of what can be done in the time available  Cultural differences  Understand their culture!  Check and never assume!