CTA Summer Networking

Our sales team was pleased to join almost 100 delegates at the CTA Summer Networking event in Hertfordshire at the end of July 2023

The meeting was sponsored by Visit Herts and included coach operators and industry suppliers from across the country. Hosted at the wonderful DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree hotel – a familiar hotel to Ashley & Newey - located close to Elstree Studios. It was an excellent opportunity to meet the people behind the places and a great source of new ideas for 2024 and beyond. 

Highlights from the event include:

• Zero-emissions coach seminar – a hot topic in the current climate
• Fam trip to Hatfield House – a favourite amongst our coach operator customers
• CTA Supplier Member Showcase – a great opportunity for our team to talk with suppliers new and old.

A Memorable Experience at Hatfield House and Hilton London Elstree

Shaun, Sarah, Richard and Steve were pleased to join the Coach Tourism Association Summer Meeting in Hertfordshire this July. It was a weekend filled with exploration, history, networking, delightful surprises, good food . . . and maybe a few glasses to accompany that!

Sarah shares a little more about the event  . . .

We caught up with the group at Hatfield House where our visit (sponsored by Visit Herts and CTA Partner, VisitScotland) began with a tasty lunch at The Coach House. We then crossed The Stable Yard to Cellar Door Wines, one of the resident businesses, for a glass of fizz before our guided tour of the magnificent Jacobean house. We were treated to a very informative tour. Our knowledgeable guide regaled us with fascinating anecdotes about the history of the old palace and the new house with its royal connections throughout the ages right through to stories on the current Lord Salisbury and how the house is still very much a home and not a museum. I loved the story of the seemingly indestructible stained glass window in the chapel but one of my own favourite facts was the idea that our modern-day ‘filters’ are nothing new. In fact, Elizabeth I herself had miniature cameos painted in her 30s and decreed she was never be portrayed as any older! It was all about power and propaganda – but she looks pretty good in the famous portrait on display in the house painted just 5 years before her death!

 

After the tour, it was time to head to our hotel for the evening where our Sales Manager, Steve joined us. DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, our hosts for the evening, is situated close to Elstree Studios and the film theme runs throughout the hotel and bedrooms. As someone who travels solo, I particularly liked the Charlie Chaplin spoons that could be used as ‘this table is in use’ placeholders when eating buffet style. No more taking a book to breakfast to leave on the table while you grab your full English! I felt like a film star too when I discovered my surprise upgrade to a superb room with not only robes, slippers, a beautifully fitted bathroom with luxury toiletries and a Nespresso machine . . . but my very own ensuite private gym! Sadly, I didn’t get the time to try it out but I know plenty of people that would love that added extra and I certainly would have used it on a longer stay.

 

In the evening, everyone gathered for a prosecco reception with more local suppliers to meet – including a gin tasting courtesy of Puddingstone Distillery. There was a delightful meal followed by post-dinner drinks sponsored by Irish Ferries. The atmosphere was lively, with attendees sharing stories, making new connections, and strengthening existing relationships. The delicious food and excellent service provided by Hilton London Elstree made the evening even more enjoyable. And who doesn’t love a goody bag on their chair?

The following morning there was a seminar on the industry’s journey towards zero emissions and a networking event providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals and discuss potential collaborations. It was a productive session where ideas were shared, partnerships were formed, and new opportunities were explored. The event truly showcased the power of networking and collaboration within the coach tourism industry - not only educational and inspiring but also an ideal platform for building valuable connections within the industry. We’re already looking forward to the next event in November! The morning was rounded off with lunch sponsored by Visit Scotland before delegates headed home.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the Coach Tourism Organisation for organising these events and our gratitude to Hatfield House and Doubletree by Hilton London Elstree for their warm hospitality and exceptional service. The next CTA event is already in our diaries and the team are looking forward to seeing you there!