CMW Editor Paul Colston climbed aboard the Destinations Alliance – Afternoon Tea with Bustronome bus for a tour of London, 2 July.
The Alliance represents over 30 global city destinations and national tourist boards with a key focus on the UK market.
Destination representatives mixed with a selection of agents for the novel outing – the Alliance’s annual summer agency networking event – in the UK capital. A very scenic, relaxing and (following London’s heatwave) cool way to travel and network.
Chief organiser Keith Barron of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, welcomed the guests at the start of the tour at The Clermont hotel, Charing Cross, and emphasised the important and impartial role of CVBs in the venue finding process.
The destinations represented on DA’s London day out were Visit Malta, Meet in Ireland, Meet Switzerland, Destination DC, Innovation Norway, Visit Portugal, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, Business Events Australia and Destination Toronto.
Barron told CMW: “The event provided a great relaxed environment for our members to network with a number of key UK agents, allowing us to showcase the valuable contribution that CVBs offer to international event planning and venue finding. Working together through the alliance we can showcase the collective value that we provide agencies with impartial and freely given advice; future events in other sectors are planned for later this year”.
Jean-David Guyard, director of Bustronome, added: “Bustronome runs three stylish double-decker buses, each with a stunning glass roof that gives you amazing panoramic views of the city’s landmarks. They’re a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, with space for up to 38 guests and available for private hire – great for one-of-a-kind corporate events or special celebrations. It was a real pleasure putting together an event with Destinations Alliance.”
The Alliance’s core mission is to champion the value CVB’s offer to event planners, this includes their specialist knowledge, hotel and venue connections in market and added value support such as FAM trips and bespoke site visit planning around clients’ briefs. The not-for-profit association has been in operation for over 20 years.
David Clowes, director, Garfit Group who attended the London event said: “Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon tea aboard the luxurious Bustronome yesterday; it was a lovely experience, it was great to get to know of the ‘Alliance’. I had no idea that there were so many established in London/UK and have often struggled to get to the right person in the country that we are looking to use.”
Bustronome operates three converted double-decker buses, each featuring a captivating glass roof that offers panoramic views of the capital’s landmarks. These buses provide an unforgettable backdrop for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, accommodating up to 38 guests and available for private bookings.
More information on the Alliance via: www.DestinationsAlliance.com
