UK, the Coach Tourism Association unveils new format for 2026 Annual Workshop in Derry-Londonderry

The Coach Tourism Association has launched a new-look for its annual flagship business development event for the coach tourism sector. The Annual CTA Workshop, sponsored by Tourism Ireland, will take place next year in Derry-Londonderry between 6-10 February 2026, as the association announces in a press note.

The Buyer Workshop, which will take centre stage in the weekend’s events, will involve a full day of business development meetings between CTA buyer members, including coach tour operators and wholesalers, and CTA supplier members, ranging from tourism attractions to hotels.

CTA Workshop focuses on networking

The new-look event follows CTA member requests to drive further networking opportunities. The new format updates the previous model at the yearly gathering, which was based on a half-day business development Workshop followed by Conference speakers.

At the 2025 CTA Conference, the Workshop included a record 1,200 meetings. The 2026 Annual Workshop will see an increase in the number of one-to-one appointments between buyer and supplier members, aimed at developing coach tourism product.

“Business development is the main objective of the CTA’s events, and the new-look Annual Workshop sponsored by Tourism Ireland promises to drive this further,” says CTA Chair, Robert Shaw. “The trend across previous events has shown continuing demand from our members for formal business discussions, which has been supported by year-on-year growth in the number of meetings taking place at the preceding workshops. For next year’s event, the Workshop will see another record increase in the amount of meetings taking place between buyers and suppliers.”

The Buyer Workshop on Monday 9 February will be at the Everglades Hotel, Derry-Londonderry, on the south bank of the River Foyle. Meanwhile, event attendees will stay either at the centrally located Ebrington Hotel or at the Everglades Hotel. Additional member networking opportunities will also be available at the event’s networking dinners, which will take place at the Guildhall Derry-Londonderry and the Walled City Brewery.

An incentive is offered to CTA members for early booking, with an early bird discount rate available until 14 November. Prospective attendees should also note the final booking deadline of 19 December to take part in the Workshop appointments.

“Following the success of the CTA Conference in Belfast in 2023, Derry-Londonderry is set to be a popular and exciting destination for the 2026 event, with fam trips showcasing what the city and surrounding area has to offer coach groups,” says Robert Shaw. “The new format further strengthens the position of the event as the UK’s biggest annual business development opportunity for the coach tourism industry. We encourage buyers and suppliers alike to book early and secure their place.”