TNT Travel Show 2011 is record breaker
The 2011 TNT Travel Show, sponsored by taxback.com, smashed all expectations and visitor numbers with over 12,260 travel-hungry consumers pouring through the doors at Earls Court 2 on Saturday 19 March.
Due to its ever-increasing popularity, the seventh TNT Travel Show took place at Earls Court for the first time with over 100 exhibitors packed into the arena. “It’s been incredible,” said Kevin Ellis, CEO of TNT Publishing. “Our exhibitors are ecstatic, Earls Court is a big venue and it really feels like the event has gone to another level. Many of them are claiming they’ve done more business than at any other show ever.”
This was backed up by Dan Saunders, Head of Business Development at On The Go Tours, who said, “We took 10 times more bookings at the show than all the other shows we do through the year put together!”
Data also shows that 82% of visitors who came to the show planned to book a trip, which was felt throughout by exhibitors. Denis Geary, Managing Director of Wicked Campers said, “People coming to the show, came to book. And this year we took 19 times more bookings than in 2010, which is a fantastic return.”
Many exhibitors were offering massive discounts on selected trips available only at the show. Roger Kerr, Marketing Manager of Busabout, said, “We have done literally hundreds of bookings!” Likewise exhibitors, including big names such as Travel Talk, STA Travel, Topdeck and Intrepid Travel, were talking about great sales figures for the day.
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With so much to offer, it’s no wonder the TNT Travel Show is appealing to a broader audience. With a 17% visitor increase from 2010, the number of British attendees rose by 1,367 from last year.
Those attending London’s biggest free travel show were treated to a whole world of travel ideas, adventure products, holiday prizes and entertainment as they booked their bargain trips and epic adventures. In addition, highly acclaimed travel writers and editors gave seminars with tips on travel writing, getting articles published, social media and inspirational talks on travels through South America’s Untamed Edge.
While searching for a travel bargain, visitors enjoyed an extravaganza of entertainment from the riotous sounds of Balkan Road Trip’s brass band and music from ‘The Naked Busker’ and Jayson Norris. In addition to great travel deals, over £20,000 of prizes were given away at the show with highlights including a Blind Date competition and Contiki’s ‘Hairy Fairy’ who granted the holiday wishes of lucky contestants on the TNT Big Stage.
The next TNT travel event will be the ‘Sun & Snow Travel Show’ on Saturday 15 October 2011. The annual TNT Travel Show returns March 2012. www.tnttravelshow.com.