This year, the city will be supported by a record six stand partners – with multiple opportunities to use the event as a platform to launch new initiatives – demonstrating the growing strength and confidence of Plymouth’s group travel offering.
Among the group attending this year is Future Inn Plymouth, which has recently introduced a new Group Travel Charter, reinforcing its commitment to working closely with group operators and providing tailored support for this market, whilst Visit Tamar Valley will be unveiling their first-ever Coach Drivers Guide, alongside the launch of a new dedicated travel trade section on their website, designed to support itinerary planning and trade engagement.
Other stand partners for this record-breaking year are Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, Plymouth Boat Trips, The Drake Hotel / Invicta and St Mellion Estate.
Dartmoor Zoo will also represent Plymouth and the surrounding areas in a partner role, showcasing a brand-new portfolio of group experiences, including immersive behind-the-scenes encounters such as ‘Meet the Tiger’, offering exclusive opportunities for group visitors.
And The Box, Plymouth’s flagship cultural attraction, is currently experiencing outstanding national success of ‘Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy’ – one of its most popular exhibitions to date – which has attracted significant visitor numbers and critical acclaim. The Box will be promoting newly developed curator-led tours, which can be tailored to specific group interests and aligned with current exhibitions.
The team will also be previewing The Box’s upcoming programme of major exhibitions and events, reinforcing Plymouth’s growing reputation as a leading cultural destination.
Amanda Lumley, CEO of Destination Plymouth, says: “BTTS is a key date in our calendar and a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with operators and agents who are actively building UK group itineraries. With a record number of stand partners and an exciting pipeline of new product launches, Plymouth is perfectly placed to grow its share of the group travel market.”
“Interest from businesses wishing to engage with this sector continues to rise, with increased uptake from local partners keen to attract this market.”
“Following a highly successful attendance at Britain & Ireland Marketplace last month, where we met with over thirty operators, our team has been supporting a strong demand for information focused on highlights such as our Mayflower heritage and maritime history, our outstanding cultural attractions and the variety of food and drink experiences on offer in the city, as well as the more obvious pull of Britain’s Ocean City’s outdoors and coastal activities. We’re really looking forward to inspiring operators, showcasing our re-imagined city branding and everything our city has to offer.”
In response to demand, the team is finalising the latest Plymouth Groups and Travel Trade Guide, which will be officially launched at BTTS 2026. The guide will be available in print at the show and digitally for wider distribution.
BTTS brings together more than 200 exhibitors, including attractions, hotels and destinations, providing itinerary inspiration for coach operators, tour operators and travel agents.
For more information about Plymouth as a meetings, events and group travel destination, visit: Travel Trade – Visit Plymouth.
