
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

Bayswater acquisition of 3 language schools
Bayswater Education announce the acquisition of 3 language schools

Manchester Metropolitan named as the UK’s most sustainable university
Manchester Metropolitan has once again been named as the UK’s most sustainable university to continue its incredible run in the People and Planet University League

BUNAC selects iTEP English test for UK interns
Academic Language Solutions, the exchange program distributor of the iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency) Exams announces a cooperation with BUNAC to test the English skills of interns entering the UK on the Intern in Britain Program

Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms
On-site Covid lateral flow tests for secondary pupils on return to school, with

A spotlight on Jools Horton-Lakins, Britannia Student Services
COVID brought into focus the delicate balance that companies within our industry have to strike when faced with incredibly adverse conditions affecting their businesses. I believe businesses have become more resilient, agile and adaptable, and are now better equipped to face market influences (both positive and negative) going forward.

Feel Good Films spreads joy & doubles turnover during COVID
While many organisations suffered under the weight of COVID, Feel Good Films saw this as an opportunity to pivot, rethink their goals and rebrand – a risky move given the level of investment it takes to achieve this during a pandemic

Self-isolation for COVID-19 cases reduced from 10 to 7 days
New guidance enables the 10-day self-isolation period for people who have

UK secures millions more antivirals to help fight Omicron
The UK has signed contracts to buy a further 4.25 million courses of antivirals for

£1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK
Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by

£100 million support for businesses
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the breakdown of a lifeline £100 million financial package to support businesses experiencing cancellations due to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant

New advice to keep Wales safe
Wales will then introduce new restrictions, including for businesses and services – from 27 December. This will include a 2m rule on social distancing in offices and putting extra measures in place to protect customers and staff, such as one-way systems and physical barriers

11 countries removed from the UK’s red list
Government announces all 11 countries on the UK red list will be removed from 4am Wednesday 15 December as Omicron spreads in countries around the world

NHS COVID Pass for 12 to 15 year olds for international travel
The NHS COVID pass will be rolled out to 12 to 15 year olds for international travel,

Daily rapid testing for COVID-19 contacts launches
From Tuesday, fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case should take a daily lateral flow test for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus

UK coronavirus alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4
Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the

Wales International Inbound Tourism Fund
The Welsh Government has announced a Inbound Tourism Fund to support the tourism sector recover, remain resilient and ensure maximum wider visitor economy impact by enabling recipients to build on their existing itineraries to develop and promote updated programmes and packages.

DMC and Inbound Tour Operator Amplification & Distribution Fund
The Destination Management Company (DMC) and Inbound Tour Operator

Prime Minister confirms move to Plan B in England
Urgent work has been ongoing to understand the impact of the new variant with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility. Early indications showed a large number of concerning spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome

Tests required before travel to UK & Nigeria added to red list
Nigeria to be added to travel red list from 6 December and people travelling to UK from any country will need to take pre-departure test from 7 December

The View from The Shard welcome to Aurora
This winter season, The View from The Shard want to welcome you to Aurora, a Nordic wonderland inspired by the Northern Lights and snowy wilderness of Scandinavia.

A spotlight on Umang Gandecha
I believe the Covid-19 pandemic has bought our industry much closer together. Our industry is close-knit community already, but the pandemic has made partners who are all in the same boat appreciate and understand the importance

Government takes decisive action against new COVID-19 variant
From Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will be mandatory in shops

Prime Minister sets out new measures as Omicron variant identified in UK
The Prime Minister has confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures

Radical Travel Group goes Carbon Neutral
As of January 1st 2022, Radical Travel Group will be carbon neutral, and we’ve developed a five-point Climate Action Plan to guide us – committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future

Boosters to be added to NHS COVID Pass for travel
Boosters and third doses will appear on the COVID Pass in England, making it easy for people to show their vaccine status when travelling abroad

Nationwide Coach campaign
A free opportunity for UK wide attractions, sightseeing, venues, cultural institutions, sports stadiums, live entertainment, accommodation, F&B, and retail to feature in a major TV advertising campaign in 2022

WTTC groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism
As world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26 to discuss concrete actions to solve

New laws and code to resolve remaining COVID-19 commercial rent debts
New laws and a Code of Practice are being introduced to resolve the remaining

Travel update
New guidance for people vaccinated under WHO Emergency Use Listing and under 18s

First oral antiviral for COVID-19, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), approved by MHRA
The antiviral was found to be safe and effective following a stringent review of the

Travel update: all countries removed from the UK’s red list
Remaining countries removed from UK red list

HPR must see in 2022!
A must see in 2022! The Tower of London’s moat transformed to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee

A spotlight on Kate Carroll, Linguastay
We are really excited to introduce Virtual Homestay where we have been working with our existing families to deliver a linguistic experience which maximises the opportunities for language learning in a digital environment.

Turing Scheme to continue for further three years
The UK government has confirmed allocation of budget to support the Turing Scheme for the next three years in its Spending Review 2021

First Travel Solutions discount negotiated for schools
A partnership with First Travel Solutions (FTS) and YHA is ensuring affordable and sustainable travel for schools that are taking part in a Generation Green-funded programme

Student.com enters partnership with DigsConnect.com
Growing global student demand for student accommodation is driver behind international partnership

Go Ape the word’s out. We’re employee owned!
When we founded Go Ape in 2002 we (Rebecca and Tristram Mayhew) had very clear views about the culture of the company we wanted to be a part of and grow

Experio Life announce a new partnership with Bishop’s Stortford College
Hosting a new international English language summer school at the College’s impressive campus ideally located between London and Cambridge in the lovely market town of Bishop’s Stortford

Move to lateral flow tests for travel begins
Fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving from non red-list countries can use a lateral flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival in England

UK government secures groundbreaking COVID-19 antivirals
The new antivirals could be rolled out through a clinical study from winter

UK agrees historic trade deal with New Zealand
UK agrees historic trade deal with New Zealand

Commission kick-starts work to make 2022 the European Year of Youth
Following the announcement made by President von der Leyen in her 2021 State of

Lateral flow tests to be introduced for vaccinated international arrivals
From 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in

UK Travel & Tourism sector may only recover by a third this year
The WTTC says the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector’s year on year recovery may only

Travel advice changes for over 50 countries and territories
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will lift its advice

Travel Update: 47 countries and territories removed from red list
From 11 October, the red list will reduce to 7 countries and proof of vaccination will be

Londonist announce two new locations
We excited to include two new locations to Londonists portfolio, Dashwood Studios and Scape Shoreditch

UK’s new simplified travel system
International travel will be simpler with lower testing costs for people who qualify as fully vaccinated