The UK’s original and longest-running one-day group travel show continues to thrive with overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a return to the iconic venue of Wembley Stadium following a successful 50th anniversary show the previous year.
The UK’s longest-running and original one-day group travel show, Excursions™ 2025, once again brought together industry professionals, exhibitors, and group travel organisers for a dynamic day of inspiration at Wembley Stadium. Welcoming over 600 exhibitors and visitors, the event provided the perfect platform for forging new connections, discovering fresh opportunities, and setting the stage for exciting future group travel experiences.
As the first major group travel show of the year, Excursions™ continues to connect high-quality group travel organisers, coach operators, tour planners, and itinerary experts with destinations, attractions, venues, cruise companies, hotels, and resorts from across the UK and Europe. Visitors enthusiastically embraced the event, exploring new ideas for their upcoming group travel itineraries and networking with returning and first-time exhibitors. New destinations and exhibitors added fresh flair to the show, ensuring plenty of inspiration for 2025.
Event Highlights
The atmosphere was vibrant as The Georgettes of Oxford entertained visitors with elegance and charm, celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary. In addition, guests were treated to free Wembley Stadium tours, while Ellen Smith Tours were one of many VIPs arriving via the Private Coach Arrivals Programme who enjoyed a special presentation from The Georgettes, followed by an exclusive familiarisation trip to Potters Five Lakes Resort and Epping & Ongar Railway.
‘A big thank you to all involved in organising our Fam Trip during the Excursions Show weekend, we had a ball. The Exhibitors on offer were excellent and we all picked up lots of ideas for future trips. It was a very successful weekend and everyone in our group commented on how useful it was.’ – Pam Ellen Smith Tours
Collaboration and Innovation Shine
The geographic format of the show has always been popular, and this year, as budgets continue to remain tight, many exhibitors embraced the partnership approach, with attractions joining forces as part of co-ordinated stands such as Visit Kent and Experience Oxfordshire to ensure they could still be present and showcase the best their destinations have to offer. This collaboration was well received by attendees, who were able to explore diverse and engaging itineraries all in one place, enhancing their opportunities to plan memorable group trips.
‘A great, successful day again at Excursions, on which we showcased everything Kent can offer for group visits. We were delighted to be joined by nine Kent partners and to meet group travel organisers who were very interested in visiting our county.’
Alanna Kite, Visit Kent
Industry Reflections
With financial pressures on the industry, hosting events like Excursions™ is no small feat. However, the positive energy and buzz from the day serve as a powerful reminder of the passion driving the group travel sector and the importance of events like these in supporting business growth, networking, and inspiration.
Fran Downton, CEO of Tourism South East, the organisers of the show, commented: “Excursions™ remains an invaluable event for the group travel industry, highlighting the sector’s ongoing demand for group travel. Exhibitors reported valuable discussions, reinforcing Excursions™ as a crucial opportunity for quality networking and business development. We’re proud to be at the heart of these connections, helping to spark fresh ideas and foster collaboration within the industry.”
Excursions is firmly established in the group travel calendar. Subscribe for show updates as we announce further plans for our show in 2026. For more information about the show and future updates, please visit www.excursionsshow.com/subscribe
