Up at The O2 new dazzling light installation
This December, Up at The O2 is offering customers a festive experience like no other, as they bring Christmas to new heights. For one day only on 3 December, those who book a Twilight Climb will be able to enjoy the highest outdoor Christmas carol concert in the capital on the roof of the world’s most popular music, entertainment, and leisure venue.
Spotlight On Josh Behn, Disney Tickets
Post-Covid there has been a real importance on providing flexibility and confidence to group bookers and schools. We have designed a range of options such as Flexi-Tickets and Guest Credit, in order to provide that reassurance and encourage a return to the theatre
International student recruitment from Europe: the road to recovery
European students have historically made up around a third of all the international
Major boost for North East tourism as region is chosen for initiative to increase visitor numbers
North East England will pilot a new £2.25 million scheme to restructure tourism boards
Prime Minister: the UK will be a firm friend to the Indo-Pacific
The Prime Minister will emphasise the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to global security and prosperity as he continues to hold talks with his counterparts at the G20 Summit in Indonesia
New research highlights the enormous loss to UK plc due to the removal of ID cards
This dramatic drop is due to the elimination of the ‘List of Travellers’
Anglo Educational Services launch Culture Abroad Grant
The grant is to support students that ordinarily may struggle to afford to have a culture/study abroad experience but are passionate about doing so.
ICEF committed to agent training with launch of ICEF Academy
New e-learning platform puts international student recruitment best practices directly
Spotlight on Beth Scoble, Anglo Educational Services
we have just completed our busiest summer yet. We had more than double the number of interns we have had any previous summer, and this is looking to be the case for the majority of our intakes going forward Tell us a bit about your role and how it supports the business? As Head of Experiential Learning and Placements, I lead our internships team and oversee the pairing of students with employment opportunities across London whilst they are undertaking their semester abroad. On top of this, I’m always looking to grow and develop our experiential based learning programmes by growing our relationship with existing partner universities, onboarding new partners and agencies, as well as looking at how we can help independent students to benefit from our programmes. What has been your career highlight to date? Without a doubt, it has to be overseeing the launch of our virtual internships programme. At a time when we were all spending months on end working from living rooms, bedrooms and spare bedrooms, it was extremely rewarding to not only diversify what we offer as an organisation, but to also still be able to help hundreds of students to gain invaluable work experience for […]
Invasion announces major rebrand, changing its name to Intravelr
Invasion, a company that specialises in providing unforgettable experiences to the
Anglo Educational Services is launching two new student housing buildings
Anglo Educational Services (AES) continues its expansion and launches two new student housing buildings: Anglo Farringdon and Brick Lane. Both are in vibrant areas in central London with easy access to the sights, shopping venues and food markets
Damaging Government action hindering tourism’s post-pandemic recovery, DCMD Committee warns
The removal of tax-free shopping for visitors from abroad was ‘both short-sighted and incredibly damaging’ to UK tourism, MPs say today, with the decision to reinstate it then remove it again illustrative of the lack of thought given to the industry by the Government
Manchester Metropolitan University Conference and Events help Real Change MCR
Over the last few years, Manchester Metropolitan University Conference and Events team have been helping to raise money for Real Change MCR by donating £1 of each delegate rate they receive to the fund.
Spotlight On Suzanne Lawrence, Homestay International
My role within Homestay International has been challenging and rewarding in terms of new host safer recruitment and welcoming group travel and individuals. Providing bespoke programmes to our partners – something that we will continue to do.
UK abolishes visitor visas for Colombian nationals
The UK announces that nationals of Colombia will not need a visitor visa to travel to the United Kingdom for a period of up to six months
GREAT campaign drives growth across the four corners of the UK
GREAT’s ‘Study UK’ campaign is set to generate £407m of investment right across the UK, from international students registered in 2021/22
Spotlight on Gareth Evans, National Express Transport Solutions
I joined NXTS eight months ago as part of the Business Development Team. I brought
NETS ambition to be the world’s greenest mass transit provider
A quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the transport sector. Pre-
HAGGiS Adventures new 6-day Volunteer Adventures to the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has been welcoming HAGGiS Adventures for almost three
Londonist pick up two industry awards
It has been a monumental start to September for Londonist. Adding to our further growth in the PBSA sector, we are proud to inform you that Londonist has won two significant awards in the industry
ICEF acquires PIER, creating the industry’s largest professional development network
ICEF has completed the acquisition of the digital platform PIER from Australia-based International Education Services (IES) for an undisclosed sum.
Wicked Direct London Stage Musical launches global distribution platform for the travel & Tourism Industry
WICKED, “one of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), today announces the official launch of its new global distribution platform for the travel & tourism, corporate and group leisure industries. Available now, Wicked Direct provides access to the award-winning musical’s London ticket inventory, ensuring that booking FIT and group tickets for “London’s #1 show” (LBC) is now faster, easier, and commercially more attractive than ever before.
Government Plans To Cut Energy Bills
Government outlines plans to help cut energy bills for businesses Support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills has been unveiled New government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs government work with suppliers will reduce wholesale energy costs – and the significant rises in bills that businesses have seen this support is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households, with further measures today to strengthen support for families across the United Kingdom, including those in rentals or park homes New support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills in Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been unveiled by Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg today (Wednesday 21 September) – supporting growth, preventing unnecessary insolvencies and protecting jobs. Through a new government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global […]
International Tourism Consolidates Strong Recovery Amidst Growing Challenges
International tourism continues to show signs of a strong and steady recovery from the impact of the pandemic despite significant mounting economic and geopolitical challenges
JAOS Launch Study Abroad Award
November 12 Established as “Study Abroad Day” JAOS Registers Annual Commemoration Day Will Launch JAOS Study Abroad Award
Disney Tickets, book direct for live events and experiences
Disney Tickets is the home of Disney live entertainment across the UK, offering guests the ability to book direct with Disney for live events and experiences
World Nomads survey finds travel confidence remains high
Despite a summer of travel chaos in the United States, an overwhelming majority of Americans now say that nothing would stop them booking a vacation
Spotlight on Astor Hostels
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s very easy to get bogged down in the detail without seeing the bigger picture, both in the moment but also over the longer term. Take a step back, be patient and work hard and the rest will follow
UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK is proud to invite you to PoliNations
UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK is proud to invite you to PoliNations, an epic super garden of magical proportions based in Victoria Square, Birmingham 2-18 September
Inspiring Learning partners with UKSA to launch new ‘Woodland and Waves’ residential programme
Inspiring Learning provides unique, educational, and fun-filled adventure programmes and is one of the UK’s largest providers of adventure camps under its Kingswood brand, with residential centres across the country
VisitBritain upgrade 2022 forecast
The annual VisitBritain forecast for the volume and value of inbound tourism to the UK is usually issued towards the end of each year. We are updating this page more regularly at the present time to reflect the impact of COVID-19 on inbound tourism to the UK. Inbound forecast last updated August 11th.
The National Gallery Summer on the Square
A free festival of immersive art, creativity and community
Inspiring Learning offer free places for Ukrainian children this summer
We’re delighted to have teamed up with Mail Force to offer 10,000 funded places for
Spotlight on EngXcel
Some existing trends, such as adults choosing to learn online, have been accelerated by Covid-19, and we are seeing evidence of the pre-Covid trend towards language-focused ‘experiences’ rather than traditional courses re-emerge strongly since travel re-started
Beds & Bars take home Investors in People Platinum for a third time running!
Mark Vaughan, Beds & Bars People Director is extremely proud to announce that they
Bayswater Expands to Vancouver
Following on from the recent acquisition of Stafford House Toronto and Calgary, Bayswater Education are pleased to announce the opening of Bayswater Vancouver on September 5th 2022
Rooms are now available at the Londonist Dublin Student Residence
If you’re looking for student accommodation in Dublin, Londonist Student Residence is the place to be. Our apartments are comfortable, safe, and secure and have been chosen specifically to make travelling from your university as easy as possible, thanks to their prime location
BETA & TIECA SIGN MOU
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and Thailand International Education Association (TIECA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support, strengthen and increase collaboration between their members in the youth, student and educational travel industry.
£1.5 million to boost recruitment : aviation sector
New funding to develop skills and careers to support the future of the aviation industry
New plan for tourism boards
New accreditation scheme for tourism boards will make it easier for holiday makers and visitors to plan trips to must-see destinations across England
YouGov, Travel & Tourism Report 2022
Read the latest YouGov report on Gen Z’s travel behavior, their overall attitude to travel, where they seek travel inspiration, and what sets them apart as the new generation of travelers, currently shaping the future of the industry
Turing scheme helps more disadvantaged students
The second year of the Turing Scheme will see work or study placements in over 150 destinations across the world for students at school, college or university
More opportunities for young Brits and Kiwis to live and work abroad
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda
YHA announces new travel trade sales manager
We’d like to introduce you to our new travel trade sales manager, James Heading. An experienced traveller, James lived in Spain for a year before joining YHA in 2016 as part of our travel trade team
HAGGiS Adventures releases first Impact Report
The Travel Corporation’s first Impact Report covers the progress our family of brands has made against our 11 sustainability goals since the launch of our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right, in September 2020
Up at The O2 celebrates its ten-year anniversary
To commemorate this amazing milestone, Alistair Wood, who is the Vice President of Real Estate and Development for AEG Europe shares his thoughts on the early thinking behind the attraction and then some of the challenges and successes we have had over the past decade.
Spotlight on: Toby Harris, Endsleigh
I really like the saying ‘dreams remain dreams until you take action’ – I think this is a wonderful and uplifting way of thinking, that anything can be accomplished if you put your mind to it.
Londonist add North Lodge residence to portfolio
With 260 rooms available, we have now expanded our capacity to cater to the accommodation needs of more students and provide them with the unique opportunity to feel at home away from home
Tracking what motivates young people to travel
New research by the British Educational Travel Association (BETA) in collaboration with Hype Collective and the University of Edinburgh Business School reveals what is motivating young people to travel post covid
Spotlight on: Sophie Chambers, Camp America
You have to forget about the past and look forward. As the saying goes “we’re all in the same boat” which we are personally and professionally. Everyone has just had to pause over the last two years and start fresh in this new world.
YHA fully re-open network with the help of the government culture recovery fund
Nearly £1 million has been awarded to YHA (England & Wales) in the latest round of funding from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.
The Play that Goes Wrong
Do not miss the multi award-winning international smash hit show The Play That Goes Wrong, the longest running comedy in the West End
Layered Reality open London’s biggest new attraction The Gunpowder plot
1605. The fuse of rebellion is lit. The peace of the nation balances on a knife edge. Who will you trust?
Introduce a Youth Group Travel Scheme for EU under 18’s
We propose that the UK Government introduce a scheme that allows students under 18 to enter the UK on a single travel document in order to boost educational travel from Europe
St Christopher’s Inns open new Vienna property
Beds & Bars is proud to announce acquisition of a new property in Vienna’s 10th district, taking over the lease of a 68-room property and opening what will be St Christopher’s Inns’ 19th hostel in Europe
Spotlight on: Charlotte Sabin, Immerse Education
The support network is everything. Knowing your partners well, be that agencies, school leaders, suppliers, host colleges or summer staff becomes crucial in difficult times. Being able to step up and support each other, with all of our shared knowledge and resources, is a gift that I hope we continue to make the most of
Thousands more global study and work opportunities for UK students
Bids have opened for the second year of the Turing Scheme, as UK students travelled to over 100 countries across the globe since scheme launched last year
Wombat’s City Hostels opening in Munich, Germany
Good things come to those who waitL After delays due to Corona and a water accident on the construction site last autumn (in which, luckily, no one by the schedule was hurt), the time has finally come: Our new flagship house in Munich’s trendy ‘Werksviertel’ set sail on April 28th!
National Gallery announce new & exclusive group and trade tours
Explore over 700 years of wall-to-wall masterpieces and discover the history and stories from our world-renowned collection, all led by our Gallery approved expert guides. These official guided tours are available at preferential rates during the day, as well as exclusive access out of hours
MMU Conferences and Events proud to be part of the UK’s Most Sustainable University
It’s been a great start to the year for Manchester Met with the University coming top of the People and Planet Green League, ahead of every other UK University
The View from The Shard launch Sightseeing Experience from the River
The View from The Shard, the popular visitor attraction that sits at the top of The Shard, has partnered with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, London’s River Bus, to launch a brand-new sightseeing river experience
BETA AND IALCA SIGN MOU
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and Italian Association of Language Consultants & Agents (IALCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support, strengthen and increase collaboration between their members in the youth, student and educational travel industry
Spotlight on: David Bridges, Ardmore Language Schools
COVID has shown that we can adapt to any situation and be able to pivot the business in an ever changing world. Whether that’s launching new global products, delivering a variety of programmes in the UK or creating an educational platform from scratch.
Patricia Yates to step up as CEO of VisitBritain
National tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland has announced that its deputy CEO Patricia Yates is stepping up to be CEO.
The UK Stands with Ukraine
Everyone wants to do their bit to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion. Here is how you can help. #StandWithUkraine
Euroventure heads to Ukraine to facilitate to movement of refugees to UK
GOAT Roadtrip is setting up a team of volunteers to assist in the movement of refugees to the UK as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ refugee scheme
All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK
The government will remove the remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers from 4am Friday 18 March
BETA AND SEA SIGN MOU
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and SEA Association of Language Centres of the Argentine Republic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support, strengthen and increase collaboration between their members in the youth, student and educational travel industry. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen cooperation between the two associations, to build trust, align messaging and to offer reciprocal support and industry intelligence. Commenting on the partnership, Emma English, BETA’s Executive Director said We are delighted to sign an MoU with SEA. Our goals align perfectly and Latin America is an important source market for the UK. By aligning with SEA we are able to formulate a series of actions and events that can support the long-term recovery of our members. Through this partnership we will encourage member to member collaboration to create safe, fun and innovative products, programmes and itineraries for young people Fabio Tavares Coordinador General of SEA added The flow of students between Argentina and the United Kingdom has historically had a paramount importance, since it mirrors the relevance of educational travel, the linguistic-cultural immersion, the learning of English and Spanish and the internationalization of education from an intercultural perspective, hence promoting the development and the understanding of the peoples. Therefore, generating […]
VisitBritain launch new three-year partnership & USA campaign with British Airways
VisitBritain and British Airways have this week launched a multi-million pound campaign in the USA, Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor market, titled ‘Meanwhile in Britain’
Cyber security
Following Russia’s further violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the National Cyber Security Centre has called on organisations in the UK to bolster their online defences
Immerse Education launch academic summer school at University of Sydney
For their first international summer school, Immerse have partnered with St. Paul’s College to deliver academic subject teaching to students during the Australian summer months
UK and New Zealand sign comprehensive trade deal
The International Trade Secretary has signed the UK-New Zealand free trade deal with New Zealand minister Damien O’Connor in London
Spotlight on: Mark Cook, Trinity UK Education
I believe the appetite for travel, after such a drought, will explode and we can all benefit, moving forward.
GoBritanya announce a new venture – StuHomes
Education Travel & Leisure the team behind is very excited GoBritanya are very excited to announce its new venture, StuHomes
RMG Climb the rigging at Cutty Sark
For the first time since arriving in Greenwich in 1954, visitors to Cutty Sark will be able to climb the famous masts
Hospitality Line Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Hospitality Line celebrates thirty years of providing wholesale travel and leisure services to the international and domestic tourism industry on the 27th of February 2022
2022 tourism forecast
The annual VisitBritain forecast for the volume and value of inbound tourism to the UK is usually issued towards the end of each year
End to all Covid restrictions in England
In a statement in the House of Commons this yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the UK Government’s plan for living with COVID-19
PM statement on living with COVID: 21 February 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the government’s strategy for living with COVID
Mayor proposes £10m to attract more tourists back to London
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today announced proposals to invest an
BETA AND JAOS SIGN MOU
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support, strengthen and increase collaboration between their members in the youth, student and educational travel industry
800 families facing tough times to be offered holidays
£600,000 ‘England for Everyone’ fund will provide holidays and trips for more than 800 families facing difficult time
UK’s new travel rules take flight
Fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to take a COVID-19 test when arriving in the UK
Dick Porter recognised in Australia Day Honours
Dick was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in the recent Australia Day Honours announcement. Receiving the honour for significant services to business, and to education through leadership and advisory roles.
Youth Group Travel Scheme
Public support for proposed Youth Group Travel Scheme. View the results of a DeltaPoll commissioned by the British Educational Travel Association
VisitBritain launches multi-million pound global campaign
National tourism agency VisitBritain has today launched a new multi-million pound global campaign to drive back inbound tourism, as Britain gears up for a year of landmark events
Londonist DMC go for gold again in 2022
Londonist DMC have signed an agreement to maintain their profile as Gold Sponsors of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA) in 2022
StudentUniverse appoints Sam Willan as Global VP of Marketing
StudentUniverse, Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) online travel booking platform exclusively for students, is thrilled to announce Sam Willan as Global VP of Marketing
Ardmore integrating online learning into Curriculum with Ardmore X
Children and teenagers learn in a very different way now than they did a few years ago. With the rapid development of online learning resources and cultural adjustment to distanced learning, we want to share how you can use Ardmore X to integrate the old approach to teaching with this new way of learning to create a more adaptable and insightful curriculum for our students from around the globe
A spotlight on Jonathan Mountford, made tourism marketing
the UK is now marking the start of a new chapter in the fight against Covid I think we have opportunities such as those that arose out of the 1920s when post-flu pandemic Britain was known for glitz, glamour, jazz and modernisation! Messaging of welcome and reassurance is now key to boosting consumer confidence in visiting Britain – sustainability is also important!
Prime Minister declares UK one of the most open countries in Europe
UK is safe and open for visitors with no testing for fully vaccinated tourists
UK open for travel with all restrictions removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals
Changes to COVID-19 testing measures for travellers arriving in the UK from 11 Feb
Government supports aviation sector recovery
Move gives aviation sector flexibility and protects environment as airlines will not have to operate ghost flights to retain airport slots
Government commits funding to build back better and greener in our skies
Further funding announced to redesign the UK’s airspace to create quicker journeys
Self-isolation can end after 5 full days following 2 negative LFD tests
From Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self
BETA and ABELIO sign MOU
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and the Association of Belgian Education and Language Immersion Operators (ABELIO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support, strengthen and increase collaboration between their members in the youth, student and educational travel industry
Businesses most impacted by Omicron variant to benefit from over £700 million
New grant funding for businesses impacted by the pandemic
Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow tests
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announces temporary changes to
Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers
Testing and border measures are changing for fully eligible fully vaccinated