The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show London, Earls Court, 4-7 February 2010 / Birmingham, NEC, 5-7 March 2010
Clarion Events is looking forward to a successful and busy The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Londons Earls Court and Birminghams NEC early next year. Now in its 16th year, there is a strong line up of companies confirmed, with over 800 at London and 300 at Birmingham, in the following categories: Asia & Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean, Latin America, North America, Europe & The UK, Caribbean, Middle East and Adventure Travel, Cruise and Responsible Travel. Destinations aims to provide inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers to thousands of consumers. Information and advice hungry, the visitors attend the Shows to discuss their requirements with companies face to face, chat with expert advisers and tailor-make their next trip , whether they are looking to venture a little further off the beaten track and find an adventure, or simply plan their next holiday. Clarion Events is delighted to be running the show in partnership with The Times, and to be supported by all the major organisations including AITO, ABTA, CTO and LATA. Wanderlust magazine continue their support of the show and once again will be using Destinations as the platform to announce the winners of the Travel Photo of the Year competition and Wanderlust Travel Awards. Major exhibitors include Trailfinders, Titan Travel, Carnival Cruise Lines, Travelsphere, Audley Travel Group, Explore Worldwide, Dragoman, Cox & Kings Travel, Continental Airlines and Hurtigruten.
Expert Speakers One of the shows highlights is the Meet the Expert Theatres. These feature travel personalities including top explorers, adventurers, writers and photographers giving first-hand accounts of legendary journeys of adventure to fire the imagination. Speakers already confirmed for London include John Simpson (BBC World Affairs Editor), Julia Bradbury (BBC presenter of Countryfile), Rebecca Stephens (the first British woman to climb Everest & The Seven Summits), Conor Woodman (writer and presenter of Channel 4s Around the World in 80 Trades) and Atul Kochhar (award-winning celebrity chef). Birmingham line-up includes Mark Carwardine (zoologist, environmentalist, writer, BBC TV presenter and wildlife photographer), Simon Reeve (author and TV presenter Tropic of Capricorn) and David Shukman (BBCs science and Environment correspondent). As well as the celebrity speakers there are also expert panel sessions giving advice on the art of travel writing, photography, solo travel and a travel clinic all of which are packed with information. Entertainment The World Entertainment Stage brings culture alive, featuring vibrant and colourful acts such as Columbian dancers, Japanese performers and African choirs, all helping to create a lively atmosphere and get visitors in the mood for their next holiday. Visitors will also be able to experience the tastes of the world as part of Destinations Sensations featuring a cross section of delicacies, from Bulgarian wines to Caribbean banana bread dessert and rum punch. Theres also the chance to get involved and learn to salsa or give laughter yoga a go. Late night London On Thursday 4 February, the Show will be open until 8.30pm and late night tickets offer entry after 5pm for those that want to visit after work and make an evening of it. This year, in a new partnership, late night visitors to Destinations will be able to gain free entry into Charlotte Street Blues (including a 2 for 1 drinks voucher) to continue their night after the show closes. Clarion Events Show Director Chris Gallon comments: We are delighted to see such a strong turnout from exhibitors, partners and entertainers and there is definitely an air of optimism about what 2010 holds in store for the travel and holiday industry. Destinations is a very established and reputable show and were looking forward to two very successful events. To find out about last minute opportunities to exhibit, contact Kara Hiscox kara.hiscox@clarionevents.com. Tel: +44 20 7370 8092
For more information visit: www.DestinationsShow.com -ENDS- Notes to Editors London Show Ticket Prices: £10 in advance, £12 on the door Venue: Earls Court 1, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA Telephone: +44 (0)871 230 7141 Opening Times: Thursday 4 February 2010 10am - 8.30pm (late night from 5pm) Friday 5 February 2010 10am - 5.30pm Saturday 6 February 2010 10am - 5.30pm Sunday 7 February 2010 10am - 5.30pm
Birmingham Show Ticket Prices: £8 in advance, £10 on the door Venue: NEC, Birmingham Telephone: +44 (0)871 230 7141 Opening Times: Friday 5 March 2010 10am 5pm Saturday 6 March 2010 10am 5pm Sunday 7 March 2010 10am 5pm
The Times The Times is the official title sponsor of the shows. For further information, high resolution images or interviews, contact: Smith & Monger Specialist PR and Marketing Consultants Ltd. T: 08453 131713 Rhona Templer rhona@smithandmonger.com