Red Carpet and Red Squirrels for Southport Guests.
10/1/2018
Travel Trade Fact-Finding in Seaside Resort.
One of the UK’s top seaside resorts was given top marks for groups last week.
Southport in Merseyside hosted tour operators and
group travel organisers during a fact-finding showcase event arranged by Visit
Southport and travel trade specialists Steve Reed Tourism Ltd [23-25 September].
Featuring a variety of attractions and hotels, the
three day event showcased the very best the popular seaside resort can offer to
visiting groups. Everything from red squirrels to lawnmowers in fact!
Based at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, the group of tour
buyers also visited other Southport hotels including the Best Western Royal
Clifton and the Prince of Wales hotels. Lancashire coach and tour company
Brethertons Goldline Coaches provided the transport for the showcase.
On the Sunday, some of the guests swapped four wheels
for two by exploring the area by bicycle – a great way to appreciate the resort
for its flatness and easy access for coach visitors. The companies attending
the showcase included Great Days Travel from Altringham, Kee Travel from North
Yorkshire, Elgar Coaches from Worcestershire and Voels Coaches Ltd from Rhyl in
North Wales.
A visit to The Atkinson – art gallery and museum - on
Southport’s famous Lord Street preceded a trip along the famous Southport pier.
And the unique British Lawnmower Museum complete with its celebrity machines
was an unusual attraction for the group.
Then the group enjoyed lunch and a showround at the Royal Clifton Hotel.
Beautiful early autumn weather was on the schedule for
the visit to hunt red squirrels at the National Trust Formby Reserve where the
group also experienced the majestic beach and dunes – as well as the asparagus
beds. Artist Anthony Gormley’s art works ‘Another Place’ on Crosby beach was
next up for the VIP visitors.
The Prince of Wales Hotel provided the finale for the
day with dinner and entertainment at the well-known hotel.
The delightful village of Churchtown was next on the
agenda for the tour operators who enjoyed a guided tour and talk of the botanic
gardens, fernery, aviary and gardens – courtesy of local volunteers.
The Wildlife and Wetlands Trust [WWT] Martin Mere
Reserve provided a top class visit for the group as well as a chance to spy the
migrating birds from various hides around the site.
Shopping was to the fore next for the attendees as
they visited Courtyard at Tarleton in Tarleton Village and JAK Hanson Retail
Outlet in Wrightington.
Steve Christian is the Destination
Development Manager for Southport:
‘We were very glad that the tour buyers enjoyed their
stay in Southport – and that bookings are already coming in as a result of the
visit.
‘Our attractions and hotels put on a memorable
occasion for everyone and did their very best to showcase the resort and its
group facilities off to the best advantage. Groups are very important to the
tourism economy here in Southport and we are always glad to be able to show off
what we have – whether it be our superb annual events such as the Food and
Drink Festival, Southport Flower Show, the Southport Air Show or the British Musical
Fireworks Championships for example – or perhaps it could be our characterful
Lord Street, the seaside fun of the pier and maybe the many super attractions
we also have around the resort,’ explains Steve.
Please note: Photographs attached include:
·
Southport Ambassadors Wendy and Rod with
some of the group on Lord Street.
·
Some of the group about to cycle along
Southport’s seafront.
·
The group outside the Best Western Royal
Clifton.
·
The group visit Courtyard at
Tarleton.
Ends.
Please contact Steve Christian at Visit Southport Tel:
[0151] 934 2319.
Email: steve.christian@sefton.gov.uk;
Web: https://www.visitsouthport.com/things-to-do/group-and-coach-travel-p409211