Group Travel Organisers to Visit Eastbourne

3 February 2009

More than one hundred Group Travel Organisers are on their way to Eastbourne at the end of the month to tour the town and entice thousands more visitors to enjoy a break on the south coast.

A familiarisation visit has been organised in partnership with Robinsons Holidays and the Group Travel Organisers Association to showcase Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. 120 Group Travel Organisers from across the country have been invited to a weekend in Eastbourne and are looking forward to a packed itinerary including a behind the scenes tour of Devonshire Park, home to the brand new AEGON International tennis tournament, a Beachy Head Heritage Trail, and the chance to discover their Saxon or Norman ancestry with a trip to 1066 Battle of Hastings: Abbey and Battlefield.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "This is a brilliant opportunity for us to show off Eastbourne and take travel organisers to the best places in and around the town. We really want to give them a great experience so that they encourage holidaymakers to come here. With forecasts that there'll be a flourish of Brits holidaying in the UK this year, it's an ideal time to show people what a fantastic destination Eastbourne makes."

Delegates will be able to pick from one of two itineraries; either taking in Eastbourne's historic nearby towns and villages, or travelling East past the South Downs to Newhaven.

Highlights will include a stop at Michelham Priory, home to England's longest medieval water-filled moat, wine tasting at Carr Taylor's Vineyard, a visit to the Beachy Head Countryside Centre, lunch at Battle Abbey and a cream tea at Paradise Park.

Delegates will also be treated to a drinks and buffet reception on the Friday evening where they'll be greeted by various characters, including Eastbourne's Tour Jester in his bright pink jester hat, a Norman from English Heritage, and Victorian-dressed performers.

With holiday firms predicting an increase in UK holidays in 2009, Eastbourne is hoping to see more visitors than ever over the next 12 months. With plenty of attractions in and around the resort welcoming group visits, Eastbourne offers everything from a glorious stretch of coastline to stunning views over the South Downs, plus a prestigious marina, four Theatres and wide range of seafront hotels.