The biggest challenge is the requirement for the ETA and increasing costs of Visas. We are also receiving feedback that the lack of suitable accommodations, coaches and staff resources is having a detrimental effect. Industrial action across the transport sector does not give a great image of UK abroad, but this problem is being witnessed in many markets currently
Tell us a bit about your role and how it supports the business
My role as a Sales Manager involves managing a small team, we focus specifically on the travel trade and a small amount of corporate business. I personally deal with trade business from Europe which involves leisure groups, FIT, Youth and educational groups to whom I sell and promote visits to our 6 palaces which are the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palaces, Kensington Palace, Hillsborough Palace, Kew Palace and the Banqueting House.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Meeting the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III and Queen Camila is certainly one highlight, however, having the privilege to work at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace is extremely hard to beat…
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Keep calm and carry on! The best advice I have been given is not to become too personally attached to the product and process. I am very passionate about my role and the palaces and I have learnt that when you don’t always get what you want first time around, look for alternative solutions to achieve your goal.
If you were not working in this sector, what other industry would you have pursued a career in?
I would be an artist, a painter, my degree is in fine art but I now only paint as a hobby when I have time, which is not as often as I would like. The process of painting feels like magic transporting one into another world, certainly, a blessing during lock down.
What are the emerging trends within your sector and have these changed since Covid-19?
Technology, the integration of APIs, CRMs, instant access to reservations, and pre-booking requirements, driven by restraint capacities and pent-up demand. Sustainability is another prominent one with the need for more green products and travel options. We also see visitors being more attracted by special experiences rather than a standard visit.
Have you noticed any shifts in consumer behaviour and what does your brand do to remain relevant and connected to your target audience?
As highlighted above, there is demand for more memorable experiences, our visitors tend to stay longer at the palaces, the groups are finally increasing in size, which shows consumer confidence returning but also becoming more exigent.
All our visitors must now book in advance for their visit, sometimes with time slots – providing the Travel Trade and Youth operators with inventory through our groups online, B2B portal and in some instances, direct connection to our ticketing system means Historic Royal Palaces now provide them will booking tools to do this.
What is coming up for your company in the next 12/18 months?
Historic Royal Palaces never disappoint with our exhibitions and Kensington Palace always delivers thought-provoking and engaging examples. Such as Crown to Couture (currently included until the 29th of Oct). 2024 will be no exception with our next exhibition exploring behind the scenes of palace life. For the first time, ‘Untold Stories’, will reveal the lives of those who lived and worked behind the scenes and whose stories have never been told.
At the Tower of London, the Moat in Bloom project aims to bring diversity of nature to the urban environment surrounding the Tower and the moat is successfully transforming into a welcoming new habitat and a green haven for pollinators, insects and seed-eating birds. It also expanded the visitor footprint of the Tower adding value and giving visitors a tranquil space, away from the crowds to pause and relax. Over the next few years, the Moat will evolve into a permanent biodiverse landscape with different habitats providing different species with a home.
Tell us one thing about your business that others might not already know
We are an independent charity, and your support gives the palaces a future for everyone because we do not receive any financial support from the Crown or the Government.
I’m sure none of you have heard of the Crown Jewels… Joking apart, did you know we have refreshed the Jewel House, with a new display exploring more in-depth stories sharing the history of the world-famous Crown Jewels.
There is more information about the history and significance of the Crown Jewels and the display opened just weeks after the world witnessed the Coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The first major change to the Jewel House at the Tower of London for over a decade! The new Jewel House transformation presents the rich history of this magnificent collection in more depth and detail than ever before.
As a membership association what one thing do you think we have done that has made a real difference to you as a business?
As a membership association, you are facilitating our connection with the youth and educational markets. Helping to provide greater visibility globally and constant access to market intel. Lobbying on behalf of the sector to bring to the fore issues that impact its success with politicians and thought leaders is invaluable.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges, threats and opportunities for youth, student, and educational travel in the next few years?
The biggest challenge is the requirement for the ETA and the increasing costs of Visas. We are also receiving feedback that the lack of suitable accommodations, coaches and staff resources is having a detrimental effect. Industrial action across the transport sector does not give a great image of the UK abroad, but this problem is being witnessed in many markets currently.
Find out more about BETA member Historic Royal Palaces here
Published 01 September 2023
