International hosted buyers collectively represent £322 million in annual UK business and 493,000 young visitors
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) has concluded its biggest Youth & Student Travel Summit to date, bringing UK suppliers and buyers together in Liverpool on 5–6 October for over 1,500 business meetings, industry insights and networking.
International hosted buyers from markets including the US, Canada, China, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and beyond collectively represented £322 million in annual UK business and 493,000 young visitors to the UK, demonstrating the scale of the commercial opportunity for participating suppliers.
The main business day, held at Liverpool Football Club on 6 October, connected buyers with businesses across accommodation, education, attractions, transport and specialist services. Pre-scheduled appointments provided opportunities to build relationships, source new products and develop future UK programmes.
The speaker programme explored the latest industry trends, findings from BETA’s Business Barometer and the opportunities screen tourism presents for youth and student travel. Keynote speaker Geoff Ramm brought an energetic perspective on customer service and creating memorable experiences, giving delegates fresh ideas to take back to their businesses.
The Summit opened with a welcome social at the Cavern Club, supported by Bayswater and Visit Liverpool, combining networking with live music in one of the city’s most recognisable venues.
For international hosted buyers, the Summit formed part of an extended four-day programme from 5–8 October, combining business appointments, three networking events and familiarisation visits to BETA members and local tourism partners across Liverpool and Chester. From a Mersey crossing aboard the brand-new Royal Daffodil to accommodation inspections, language school visits and local attractions, the programme showcased the region’s offer for youth and student groups, brought to life by fascinating stories from local guides.
A visit to Chester, supported by Visit Chester, included destination networking, a Roman walking tour and Chester Zoo. A further highlight was a Q&A with Freda Kelly, former secretary of The Beatles’ official fan club, sharing first-hand stories of the band. Together, these experiences gave buyers inspiration, practical product knowledge and new contacts to help develop future UK itineraries.
Emma English OBE, Executive Director, BETA said
The Summit is about turning connections into opportunities for UK businesses. Liverpool gave us a fantastic setting to do that, with inspiring speakers, productive meetings and a warm welcome from our hosts.
For international buyers, experiencing the region first-hand helps them confidently develop programmes that take young visitors beyond London. We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, members and destination partners for making this possible.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director, Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP), said:
We were delighted to support BETA’s biggest-ever Youth & Student Travel Summit and welcome international buyers to Liverpool City Region. Events like this provide invaluable opportunities to showcase our world-class visitor offer, build new business connections and inspire future visits from young travellers. The Summit has highlighted the strength of our tourism sector and the important role it plays in driving economic growth across the city region.
The Summit was supported by premium sponsors Home & Away Student Services and Wicked Direct, alongside event sponsors and supporters Hospitality Line, The Coach Travel Group, Avanti West Coast, Bayswater Education, Liverpool Football Club, Visit Liverpool, Learn Away, World Nomads and MHS Student Homestay. BETA also thanked the members, local partners and programme hosts whose generosity and hospitality helped showcase the region to international buyers.
Could your destination host a future Summit?
BETA is inviting destinations interested in hosting a future Youth & Student Travel Summit to get in touch. The event offers an opportunity to connect local businesses with international buyers and showcase the destination through a tailored familiarisation programme.
To discuss future destination hosting opportunities, contact events@betauk.com
Author: Helen Leigh
