Travel Trade Shows

The Adventure Travel Show: An Overview

This travel trade show prides themselves on offering unique and adventurous travel experiences to those thrill seekers, looking for something new and exciting.

• Takes place at the London Olympia, Kensington
• Usually takes place mid January
• Ongoing for 19 years, priding themselves on being the only UK travel event that showcases travel excursions to places 'off the beaten track'
• Biggest travel specialists and companies exhibiting
• 100 free inspirational talks by experts and celebrities
• Free travel photography and travel writing seminars available
• Typical price at £8 for 1 day entry and weekend tickets at £12 (under 16's go FREE)
• Independent adventure travel films shown at the beginning of the weekend (Adventure Travel Film Festival at an added cost)

References:
1. http://www.adventureshow.com/visitor_information_about.php

The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show

This travel trade show is extremely diverse as it offers active travel experiences, mainly focusing upon outdoor and sporting activities. The discounts offered are for activities held in the UK and in other surrounding areas of the world. It is one of the most interactive trade shows in the country.

• ExCel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, London
• Takes place in early February
• Provides visitors of all ages with a range of activities, the chance to buy top-quality products and information on travel and adventure opportunities, both in Britain and around the globe
• 45,000 visitors over a 4 day period, 35% new visitors, average spend £118, visitors expect to spend a further £445 as a result of attending the show (2014 statistics)
• Runs in conjunction with The London Bike Show (UK's largest cycling exhibition), Triathlon Plus Show and the London International Dive Show
• Offers zip wire, climbing, free drop experience and travel advice
• Average price for an adult at £16, student price at £13

References:

1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/motoring/seat-adventure/10513328/outdoor-adventure-travel-show-preview.html

The Times Holiday and Travel Show: An Overview


Unlike the TNT Travel show, The Times Holiday and Travel show is not specifically targeted to people between the age of 18 and 39. However, the expert travel advice and discounted travel experiences they offer are highly attractive to young travelers who are looking to save money with the hundreds of special offers available. 

• Takes place at London Olympia, Kensington and EventCity, Manchester
• Usually at the end of January and beginning of February
• 500 independent travel companies all exhibiting
• 50 hours worth of free travel seminars
• Cultural performances on a World Entertainment stage
• Celebrity speakers (2014 saw Julia Bradbury and Michaela Strachan)
• Tickets priced at £13 per person on the door 
• Free food samples at Taste the World zone
• MASTA Travel Health Zone  - enjoy a free consultation with specialist travel nurses about your next journey and get your inoculations at the show

References:

1. http://www.destinationsshow.com/london

2. http://www.eventcity.co.uk/whats-on/the-times-presents-destinations-the-holiday-travel-show/
3. http://www.eco.co.uk/event/destinations-the-holiday-travel-show/610#.U2edDvldWSo

TNT Travel Show: An Overview

Okay so I'm being completely stereotypical and not all parts of these destinations have been ruined by the antics of those who visit. (There are actually some beautiful views in Malia, Crete) But the reason there is always a high influx of visitors is not because of these views; it is because people feel they can fully lose their inhibitions there. These are the only places in the world where you can let your hair down, lose yourself in the music, puke in your friend's hair... and get away with it. Right?

As a booming business, travel companies must have to adhere to the growing demand of people wishing to travel to these places. I wonder how they pull customers in and differentiate themselves from other companies? Can business trade shows help by offering group deals/bargains? As a case study, I will be looking at the TNT Travel Show as it is the biggest free travel show in the UK with thousands attending.

TNT Travel Show FACTS:

• Takes place at the Business Design Centre, Islington
• Usually in March before the summer holidays
• London's biggest travel exhibition aimed at 18-39 year old's
• Most profitable day of the year for many travel companies as people come to take advantage of the heavily discounted trips (Some reporting a profit of £600,000)
• Interactive platform to put customers in direct contact with exhibitors
• Travel seminars and discussions available
• Most importantly, it's FREE! (And they give away free pens.. Who doesn't love a freebie?)

References

1. http://www.1stcontact.com/blog/featured-news/tnt-travel-show-2014
2. http://www.traveldailymedia.com/events/202279/tnt-travel-show-2014/