The Journey Begins

from Group Travel Today issue 1 2025

Wish You Were Here

Travel, at its best, is a dance—a careful balance of discovery and indulgence. But sometimes, it’s a whirlwind: dash in, take the photo, back on the coach. This issue, AGTO’s Wendy HartleyScarff tackles fleeting tourism—those whistle-stop visits that frustrate local communities, from the Cotswolds to Primrose Hill. Are we, as group travellers, ensuring our trips truly benefit the places we visit? Are we giving people enough time to do something, rather than just see it? It’s a conversation worth having—because, let’s face it, even Paddington would expect better.

Meanwhile, AI is marching forward—not in an ominous Skynet way, but in a let me quietly save you from a logistical nightmare way. Our feature on AI in Group Travel explores how technology is reshaping trips, from itinerary planning to real-time crowd tracking. AI won’t replace shared experiences or accidental discoveries, but it might just mean fewer frantic headcounts and more time to enjoy the journey.

If proper exploration is more your thing, Pauline Johnson takes us on a tour of Northern Spain with Fred Olsen Cruises. She’s been dusting for fingerprints on board (as part of a CSI workshop, thankfully), admiring Gaudí’s fantastical architecture, and drinking Cava in Montserrat’s ancient cellars. It’s immersive travel—going beyond the obvious, taking detours, and finding the unexpected.

This issue brims with such discoveries. Our Focus on London Breweries and Distilleries reminds us that travel should be a sensory experience—tasting, smelling, and savouring along the way. We delve into World Heritage Sites and round up Great Days Out for just-acoach-ride-away adventures. And for those with a soft spot for the Southeast, we’ve got two features looking at Kent and beyond—because sometimes, enthusiasm is worth repeating.

If foreign shores call, we’ve got a major feature on Flanders, where the beer is strong, the art masterful, and the chocolates dangerously addictive. Then it’s on to Lake Maggiore, an Italian escape where mountains meet water, life slows, and the biggest decision is which lakeside café to linger in.

So whether you’re meticulously planning your next trip or indulging in a little wistful escapism, we’ve got you covered. Just make sure, wherever you go, you leave time for a proper stop—be it for a cuppa, a pint, or a souvenir. After all, isn’t that what makes the journey worthwhile?

Bon Voyag e.

Ah’ll be back as Arnie would say . next issue.

Nigel

There’s more to enjoy as a group with Riviera Travel, as 1 in every 8 guests goes free when you book a 2025 or 2026 European river cruise of 7 or more nights, as a group of 8+ people. You could use the saving

Daish’s Hol idays announces £1 milli on hotel winter refurbi shm ent programme

Daish’s Holidays, an independent family-owned UK coach holiday group, has announced plans to invest more than £1 million in a winter refurbishment

Front Cover. L ake Maggi ore

There it is, sprawled across the front cover like it knows it’s the prettiest view in the room. And, honestly, it probably is. A dainty village perched on its own little peninsula, red for a cabin upgrade, or as pocket money while exploring. programme with upgrades to five of its 12 hotels ahead of the 2025 season.

For every other holiday, we offer either 1 in 10 free or 10% back after travel for groups of 10+, and that's for our shorter river cruises plus all our escorted tours, whatever the destination, as well as our exciting yacht and ocean cruise collection.

The Esplanade Hotel in Scarborough, Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne, the Russell Hotel in Weymouth, and Daish’s Hotel on the Isle of Wight are the properties earmarked for a variety of upgrades. Works will take place in early January 2025, and this large-scale investment underscores Daish’s commitment to elevating the guest experience through significant property enhancements.

Paul Harper, commercial director at Daish’s rooftops glowing in the sunshine, a church spire poking up as if to wave at the towering mountains beyond. The lake, impossibly blue and unruffled, just lounges around being quietly fabulous, while a few rocks in the foreground try their

To find out more or to book, ca ll 01283 901 083

Holidays, says: “We’re thrilled to announce a substantial refurbishment programme that reflects our dedication to providing wonderful experiences for our guests. This investment is not only about aesthetic upgrades but also about creating warm, welcoming spaces where our guests can feel at home while enjoying all that Daish’s offers.”

The refurbishment programme covers improvements to over 100 bedrooms across the five hotels. In addition, a new lift is being installed at the Abbey Lawn Hotel, replacement of the conservatory roof at Daish’s Hotel and best to look rugged and photogenic.

But don’t let this cover hog all the glory. The full story of Lake Margorie awaits on page 22—a tale of lazy ripples, good wine, and a village that seems tailormade for wistful and mention Group Travel Toda y Magaz ine, email groups@rivieratravel co uk significant roof works at the Imperial Hotel.

A number of improvements will also be made to The Sandringham Hotel, Daish’s latest acquisition in January during the hotels usual closure period. These will improve the guest experience for 2025 while planning is sought for a significant investment and upgrade later in the year.

Daish’s Holidays has been serving UK holidaymakers for more than 45 years, providing good quality holiday packages that blend value with comfort.

For fu rther information on Daish’s Holidays, please visit www daishs com wanderings. Go on, turn the page. You can thank me later. Nigel