VisitBritain is preparing for its new annual flagship international event, ExploreGB, which will debut at Ascot Racecourse from February 25-26, 2015.
ExploreGB aims to present and promote Britain and the island of Ireland to the largest possible audience of international buyers. British and Irish tourism suppliers and destinations attending the event will have the opportunity to meet and do business with up to 250 select international travel buyers from over 37 countries, including Germany, Brazil, China and the US.
VisitBritain’s acting CEO, Keith Beecham, said: ‘Our goal is to make ExploreGB the world’s largest and most influential B2B tourism event promoting Britain and the island of Ireland. Tourism Ireland will be an important strategic partner for this task, adding value in multiple ways.
Working together will allow us to maximise opportunities and having Irish suppliers in attendance further strengthens the quality of our international buyers, providing a wider offering.’
Niall Gibbons, CEO for Tourism Ireland, a partner for ExploreGB, added: ‘We are delighted to be part of the inaugural ExploreGB in 2015, which will provide another important platform for Tourism Ireland and our Irish industry partners to showcase and sell Ireland to key international travel buyers. We already work closely with VisitBritain, particularly in long-haul markets like China and India, to target people travelling to Britain and encourage them to visit the island of Ireland as part of their trip, and vice versa.’
In its first year, ExploreGB will be held in London – and subsequently will alternate annually between London and other regions within Britain. The event will be followed by extensive familiarisation trips around Britain for international delegates.
More than 150 British tourism suppliers have already registered for ExploreGB 2015, including hotel groups, transport companies, visitor attractions and retail outlets. Prices start from £795 for the two-day workshop.
VisitBritain is UK’s national tourism agency, responsible for marketing Britain worldwide and developing Britain’s visitor economy. VisitBritain’s ExploreGB partners include the tourism trade association UKinbound, as well as regional tourist boards VisitEngland, VisitWales, VisitScotland, London & Partners as well as Tourism Ireland.
