Getting to Grips with GDPR
By Paul Richer, Genesys Digital Transformation The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is due to come into force on 25 May 2018. It will affect every travel company. It is replacing the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC and has been designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe, to protect and empower all EU citizens’ data privacy and to reshape the way organisations across the region approach data privacy. The GDPR will not only apply to organisations located within the EU but it will also apply to organisations located outside of the EU if they offer goods or services to, or monitor the behaviour of, EU data subjects. It will also apply to all companies processing and holding the personal data of data subjects residing in the European Union, regardless of the company’s location. Even after Brexit, the UK Government has indicated it will implement an equivalent or alternative legal mechanism. It is expected that any such legislation will largely follow the GDPR. The penalty for breaching the regulation will be up to 4% of your annual turnover or €20 Million. Thus it is vital that you understand GDPR and set a compliance project in motion. Here are some practical steps […]
Record breaking attempt for London Nest
BETA members London Nest and English UK are attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a language lesson next month. The current record stands at 56, and they are hoping to attract more than 100 nationalities in their attempt. The lesson will take place on Friday 21st June in London. James Herbertson, Director of London Nest, said, “London is the world’s classroom. This record attempt is a fun, positive way to celebrate the diversity of the language schools in London and show all the nationalities that the capital attracts.” The team are looking for students from Africa, Far East Asia and Central America to make up their lesson. If you can help or want to get involved you can find out more here: London Nest
OBE for Keith Knowles
Founder member of BETA and CEO of Beds & Bars Keith Knowles, was this week awarded an OBE in the Queens birthday honours list for services to charity and the community. Keith Knowles said “this OBE is really recognition of other people’s efforts as much it is for me as the CEO. I am fortunate to head up an amazing team of people who do astonishing things. It’s humbling to be the head of such a fantastic business.” He praised the way his staff had reacted to the London Bridge attack and the calm way they had evacuated 250 people from their hostel at London Bridge. He said that this response was about the training and legacy of his late wife Franca, who passed away in 2014. Keith has been a pro-active figure within BETA since its formation in 2003 and we congratulate him on this well deserved accolade.
UK’S First Multisensory Bus Tour Transports Pupils
UK’S First Multisensory Bus Tour transports pupils Into Spakespearian London for the Ultimate School Trip Unique bus tour includes live actors, sounds, videos, smells and props as it travels around the famous streets and landmarks of Central London. Launching on 20th March 2017, the start of Shakespeare Week, the tour revives key elements of London life during Shakespearian times in all its gory details. All content linked directly to the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2 and 3, providing a solid, interactive learning experience for pupils, and includes a free activity workbook. Developed in conjunction with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespearian scholars and educational experts, the tour has been awarded a badge of quality from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Have you ever wanted to transport your class back to Shakespearian London for a fully immersive, fun and interactive lesson? Golden Tours, the UK’s sightseeing tour company, launches the UK’s first-ever multisensory bus tour, giving schoolchildren the opportunity to experience the city as Shakespeare would have by bringing London’s rich history to life – in all its exciting (and disgusting) detail! Live character guides – in full Shakespearian costume – intertwine stories of the Bard and tales of the time with sights, sounds and smells that truly immerse pupils into Shakespeare’s […]
Chinese visits to Royal Museums Greenwich up 74%
Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) today announced results of its annual international visitor survey, which reveals a 74% increase year-on-year in Chinese visitors. The figures also show the Chinese taking a larger share of the international market, making up 8.3% of all overseas visitors to RMG in 2016/17, compared to 4.9% in 2015/16. In recognition of the opportunity presented by the growth in Chinese inbound visitors to the UK, in 2016 RMG developed its international strategy to include a strong focus on China. Specialist travel PR and representation agency, China Travel Outbound, was appointed to design and deliver a programme of work in China to raise the profile of the museums, engage with the travel trade within the groups and FIT markets, and, specifically, to encourage Chinese tourists to extend their stay to visit more than one museum. Activities have included an audit of each museum’s online profile in China, a series of press releases and interviews with the Chinese press, a tailor-made sales mission to Beijing, attendance at ETOA’s World Bridge Tourism Conference at IPW China in Shanghai, meetings with Chinese tour operators at UK trade shows, and the introduction of Union Pay to the Royal Observatory shop. RMG staff […]
Cutty Sark and Arcelormittal Orbit
Two fantastic attractions located in Zone 2, are teaming up this summer to offer English Language Students a great day out! Both attractions offer a lot to learn, parks to discover, pedestrian areas to relax, markets and shopping malls to visit. A perfect day out away from the City centre. To Find out more Click here.
Coach Direct …… the journey begins here
A comprehensive service for those that are seeking coach, bus and chauffeur driven car hire.
With peak season just around the corner, why not bulk up your team by taking on an intern this summer?
BETA member Anglo Educational Services are an established Study Abroad provider and are recognised by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education). We work primarily with US universities to place their students in a part time internship as a part of their academic programme in London. We have students who have are studying across a number of areas including marketing/PR, finance, statistics and design. Some key universities we are working with this summer include UC Berkeley, George Mason, Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin. Their start date is in June and depending on the programme the internship would run for 6-10 weeks. The benefits of having a student intern include: Gaining access to enthusiastic students with specialist skills and knowledge An extra pair of hands to work on a project or assist busy employees There are no fees or payment at all as the student gets academic credit from the internship Some more information on Anglo Education can be found at: http://anglointernships.com/for-employers/ Do get in touch on idm@angloeducational.com as we’d be happy to share some candidate CV’s that we think would be of interest to you or run through an information call.
New Sightseeing Vessel is introduced onto the Thames
Thames River Services have announced a new addition to their fleet with the introduction of the MV Thomas Doggett, which will be fully operational in May 2017, providing a major boost to London’s tourism economy. With 524 seats she becomes the largest of the Thames River Services fleet operating from Westminster Pier to St Katharine’s Dock, Greenwich Pier and the Thames Flood Barrier. The vessel, costing over £2.5m, is purpose built for sightseeing and will provide four extra services a day to cope with the burgeoning demand for trips along the river. She has been 5 years in planning and was completed in Holland after the hull was built in Wales. The vessel has been named after the 17th century Irish actor Thomas Doggett who started the first Doggett Coat and Badge race 302 years ago for young Watermen who work on the river. It is the oldest continuous sporting event in the world and the winner’s prize is a traditional Watermen’s scarlet tunic with a silver badge on the sleeve. The new 36.42m long boat will be captained by fully qualified Watermen. She has a spacious lower saloon and large upper deck. The heated saloon features comfortable seats and […]
UK Sightseeing Tour Company Golden Tours Expands Its Offering to Introduce New Bike Tours in London
Offering two unique bike tours for unforgettable sightseeing around London, the Royal Parks and Palaces Bike Tour and the Magic of London Tour. With an expert guide, riders will learn the history of London and take in the sights of iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace. To ensure safety when travelling, the tours will use mainly cycle lanes in the parks and along back roads and helmets are provided. Option to upgrade to an electric bike for an easy, care-free ride through the capital. Exceptional way of experiencing London close-up without having to get on public transport. UK Tour Company, Golden Tours, has expanded its tour offerings to include bike tours across London for the ultimate sightseeing adventure. With two unique packages on offer, riders looking for an exhilarating cycling experience will have the opportunity to choose between the Royal Parks and Palaces Bike Tour and the Magic of London Tour. Offering a whole new meaning to London bike tours, Golden Tours are taking the pressure off of riders and giving them the option to upgrade to an easy-to-control electric bike. With an electric bike, riders will let the bike do […]
Hatters unveil major refurbishment in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Hatters Hostels set to unveil major refurbishment of Hilton Chambers in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Founded in Manchester in 2003, for the past 13 years Hatters Hostels has provided a base for the budget-conscious traveller to come and explore the independent hubs and haunts of Manchester’s NQ. With nearly 50,000 weary backpackers passing through its doors annually, Hatters has witnessed, and in no small way, played a part in the resurgence of the Northern Quarter and its increasing renown on the world stage as a unique, artistic cultural destination. As part of the continued development of the area, Hatters is now undertaking a major refurbishment of its Hilton Chambers hostel on Stevenson Square, providing super funky boutique en-suite dormitories and private rooms. The whole frontage of the building is undergoing a makeover with the complete removal of all shutters and the installation of smart new glazing, canopies, planting and local artwork. Justin Kinsella of Harcourt Architects who managed the project said: “This is a really important building for both the square and the area sitting as it does between east and west of the Northern Quarter. “Working closely with planners and Manchester City Council, we are really fortunate to have the opportunity […]