Clarion Events is looking forward to a successful and busy The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at London’s Earls Court and Birmingham’s NEC early next year.

Now in its 16th year, there is a strong line up of companies confirmed, with over 800 at London and 300 at Birmingham, in the following categories: Asia & Pacific, Africa & Indian Ocean, Latin America, North America, Europe & The UK, Caribbean, Middle East and Adventure Travel, Cruise and Responsible Travel.

Destinations aims to provide inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers to thousands of consumers. Information and advice hungry, the visitors attend the Shows to discuss their requirements with companies face to face, chat with expert advisers and tailor-make their next trip, whether they are looking to venture a little further off the beaten track and find an adventure, or simply plan their next holiday.

Clarion Events is delighted to be running the show in partnership with The Times, and to be supported by all the major organisations including AITO, ABTA, CTO and LATA. Wanderlust magazine continue their support of the show and once again will be using Destinations as the platform to announce the winners of the Travel Photo of the Year competition and Wanderlust Travel Awards.  Major exhibitors include Trailfinders, Titan Travel, Carnival Cruise Lines, Travelsphere, Audley Travel Group, Explore Worldwide, Dragoman, Cox & Kings Travel, Continental Airlines and Hurtigruten.

Expert Speakers
One of the show’s highlights is the Meet the Expert Theatres. These feature travel personalities including top explorers, adventurers, writers and photographers giving first-hand accounts of legendary journeys of adventure to fire the imagination.

Speakers already confirmed for London include John Simpson (BBC World Affairs Editor), Julia Bradbury (BBC presenter of Countryfile), Rebecca Stephens (the first British woman to climb Everest & The Seven Summits), Conor Woodman (writer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Around the World in 80 Trades) and Atul Kochhar (award-winning celebrity chef).

Birmingham line-up includes Mark Carwardine (zoologist, environmentalist, writer, BBC TV presenter and wildlife photographer), Simon Reeve (author and TV presenter – Tropic of Capricorn) and David Shukman (BBC’s science and Environment correspondent).

As well as the celebrity speakers there are also expert panel sessions giving advice on the art of travel writing, photography, solo travel and a travel clinic – all of which are packed with information.

Entertainment
The World Entertainment Stage brings culture alive, featuring vibrant and colourful acts such as Columbian dancers, Japanese performers and African choirs, all helping to create a lively atmosphere and get visitors in the mood for their next holiday.

Visitors will also be able to experience the tastes of the world as part of Destinations Sensations – featuring a cross section of delicacies, from Bulgarian wines to Caribbean banana bread dessert and rum punch.  There’s also the chance to get involved and learn to salsa or give laughter yoga a go.

Late night London
On Thursday 4 February, the Show will be open until 8.30pm and late night tickets offer entry after 5pm for those that want to visit after work and make an evening of it. This year, in a new partnership, late night visitors to Destinations will be able to gain free entry into Charlotte Street Blues (including a 2 for 1 drinks voucher) to continue their night after the show closes.

Clarion Events Show Director Chris Gallon comments: “We are delighted to see such a strong turnout from exhibitors, partners and entertainers and there is definitely an air of optimism about what 2010 holds in store for the travel and holiday industry. Destinations is a very established and reputable show and we’re looking forward to two very successful events.”