The British Travel Trade Fair is predicting an increase in the number of overseas travel and tourism professionals at next year’s event.
More than 250 foreign trade staff have registered for the 2007 show, held on March 13 and 14 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.
With three months still to go, VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright is confident there will be more registrations, beating the total of 300 overseas visitors last year.
He said: “The international response to this year’s hosted buyer programme has been tremendous.
“BTTF is always well received in the international marketplace but such a strong commitment to the event so early is testament to Britain’s continuing global appeal as key destination for leisure and business travellers alike.”
Following the UK gaining Approved Destination Status in China, 30 visitors are expected from China and Hong Kong, while more than 40 delegates will arrive from Russia and eastern Europe. VisitBritain is also expecting a large Indian delegation.
Event director Ann Marie Meaney added: “We are absolutely delighted with the results so far; what is particularly gratifying this year is the geographical spread.”
The show is expected to attract more than 2,500 travel professionals to the show which has more than 400 exhibitors and generates around £30 million of business.
The exhibition is also expecting an influx of school teachers this year after offering them free admission. The move has been made in a bid to encourage more school trips by allowing teachers to meet a number of organisations such as English Heritage, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Houses of Parliament all at the same time.
Meaney said: “Teachers are already stretched to the limit and organising school trips is often very time consuming. We are offering them the chance, free of charge, to explore hundreds of ideas and opportunities in just two days.”