In an effort to continue to promote Gibraltar’s tourist market in the UK, the Tourist Board and Minister Costa took part in two successful travel trade road shows in Birmingham’s Crowne Plaza and London’s Waldorf Hilton last week. The delegation for the road shows also included the Bland Group/ Rock Hotel, MH Bland, Classic Collection Holidays, Cresta Cities, Dive Charters, the Gibraltar Taxi Association, Parodytur, British Airways, Your Flight, Superbreak, Dive Charters and Monarch Airlines.

The roadshows were attended by a huge selection of travel agencies and business travel staff, with all guests gaining the opportunity to speak to the stand sharers.

Throughout the event, business opportunities between local travel trade operators and their UK counterparts were discussed and fostered, emphasising the close trading links that exist between Gibraltar tourist industry professionals and their colleagues in Britain.

Reflecting back on the event, Minister Costa claimed that the positive development of the tourist industry, services and attractions was a vital component of the success of our economy and the Gibraltar Tourist Board’s participation in events such as this, accompanied by a strong contingent of local companies, was crucial to ensure continued growth and success in the sector.

During the roadshows, the Tourist Board delegation, headed by CEO Nicky Guerrero, carried out several information workshops, briefing those present on Gibraltar’s tourist calendar highlights for 2014. There was much interest from participants for details of events such as the Tradewise Chess Festival, the forthcoming International Jazz Festival and the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival.

During his time in the UK, Minister Costa also held a series of meetings with airline partners and other executives, travel trade operators and leading industry professionals. A meeting of the UKGTA was also tabled.