workshops

LAND LEISURE & TOURISM SHOW REVIEW

Posted on February 10, 2026

We Look Back at the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2025...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show returned in November 2025, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the holiday park, attraction, resort, farm business and wider hospitality and tourism sectors. Across two busy days, the show once again proved itself to be a key industry meeting point, bringing together forward-thinking operators keen to explore new ideas, discover practical solutions and gain insight from experts shaping the future of leisure.

With more than 250 exhibitors on the show floor, the event showcased a diverse mix of products and services. Global brands such as Mars Wrigley sat alongside established sector suppliers including Gemapark, leading online booking systems specialist, Outdoor Living Hot Tubs and PIB Insurance Brokers.

Attendees were able to explore everything from interior furnishings and landscaping equipment to booking systems, guest experience technology and high-impact entertainment attractions. Alongside the exhibition, a packed programme of seminars, workshops and panel discussions provided valuable insight into the trends, challenges and opportunities facing today’s leisure and tourism operators.

The show was officially opened by Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, whose keynote set the tone for the event. Smith highlighted the importance of innovation rooted in a deep understanding of the guest. “If you can make the park compelling, an experience that feels like an escape, then why wouldn’t people keep coming back?” he said.

OUR OWN BETH CONNOR was at the event distributing the latest issue of Holiday Park Scene Magazine.

He encouraged operators to focus on the fundamentals: understanding who their customers are, creating a welcoming environment, serving great food and providing opportunities for people to spend time together. Efficiency, Smith stressed, should always be tied to guest value. Wellness tourism was another recurring theme.

Simon Wright, Managing Director of Walter Geering, reminded audiences that wellbeing begins the moment guests arrive. “True wellness starts with how you feel when you arrive at your destination. It’s not an add-on – it sets the tone for the entire stay,” he explained. Branding and authenticity also took centre stage.

Derry Green, Founder of Secret Garden Glamping, noted that guests remember experiences rather than aesthetics, while Natalie Green, Head of Performance Media at Sykes, emphasised the importance of trust and storytelling in building meaningful brand connections. Operational resilience was explored by James Sinclair, Founder and CEO of Fabadousa, who spoke candidly about managing seasonality and cash flow.

Event specialist Sam Beech of Laughing Bulldog Events closed with practical advice on creating standout experiences, from competitor research to influencer partnerships. With its blend of innovation, insight and collaboration, the 2025 Land Leisure & Tourism Show once again reinforced its status as a must-attend event. The show will return in 2026, promising even more exhibitors, expertise and opportunities for operators to thrive.

Please pre-register to join us again in 2026 to explore the future of land, leisure, and tourism.
Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026
www.lltshow.com/pre-register-2026

THE UK’S BIGGEST TOURISM & LEISURE EVENT RETURNS

Posted on November 4, 2025

Taking place on 5-6 November 2025, NEC Birmingham...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to holiday parks, leisure, attractions and rural businesses. Welcoming over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the show provides a creative space where you can gather ideas and learn from other experts in the field.

Whether you’re an established industry professional seeking fresh concepts or a newcomer looking to maximise your land’s potential, this event provides a unique platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

A HUB FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH AND INSPIRATION
This year’s show brings together three sectors under one roof, Holiday Parks, Family Attractions and Resorts, and Hospitality, creating an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest trends, connect with leading suppliers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance your business.

Plus with the Farm Business Innovation Show running alongside, farmers and landowners can access even more expert guidance on diversification and land optimisation.

EXPERT-LED SEMINARS & INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels. The show’s keynote, Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, will open with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector, rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment.

Expect thought-provoking discussions, covering key issues, trends, and opportunities that will shape the future of land, leisure, and tourism. This unique platform provides both professionals and newcomers in the industry the opportunity to network, learn and explore new opportunities.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.

NEW FOCUS ON HOSPITALITY & VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
For 2025, we’re placing an even stronger emphasis on hospitality offerings, helping holiday park operators and rural businesses expand their services and increase profitability.

Expect tailored insights into enhancing guest experiences, adding premium facilities, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT & GROW
Whether you’re looking to source new products, gain expert advice, or network with industry leaders, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the must- attend event to take your business to the next level.

Join us on 5-6 November 2025 at NEC Birmingham and be part of the UK’s most influential event for the tourism sector.
Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket today!

SPEAKERS NOT TO MISS!

MEADOW BAY VILLAGES REIMAGINING THE UK HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, opens the Land Leisure Tourism Show with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector.

Discover how Meadow Bay is rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment and explore the opportunities shaping the future of holiday parks and rural leisure.

THE REAL COST OF ENERGY METERING - HEAR FROM PARKS WHO HAVE MADE THE SWITCH
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Join industry leaders and park owners as they share their real experiences with energy metering.

From reducing costs to improving guest satisfaction, hear first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how.

HOW GULLIVER’S WORLD IS SHAPING TOMORROW’S ATTRACTIONS - JULIE DALTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - GULLIVER’S THEME PARK RESORTS
06 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

In this opening address, Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts group, which includes Gulliver’s World, shares the journey of the independent, family-run theme park group as it adapts to shifting visitor expectations and industry challenges.

From launching immersive events and unique guest experiences to navigating changing leisure trends, Julie offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gulliver’s has evolved its offer while staying true to its core values of affordability, accessibility, and family-first fun.

THIS YEARS MUST-SEE EXHIBTORS INCLUDE: TOP TEN

 

 

SHOWSTOPPERS

Posted on March 13, 2024

SHOWSTOPPERS

More than 11,000 visitors flock to NEC for the recent business show...

THE EVENT OFFERS a unique opportunity to see, touch and feel many product investment opportunities.

Inspiration was plentiful at the quartet of rural shows held in November at the NEC, run by Agriconnect, owned by Arc. Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, Leisure Food and Beverage and Holiday Park and Resort Innovation were run concurrently, providing a plethora of exciting new ideas along with appropriate support for rural business owners.

Across the two days, exhibitors commented on the quality of audience the show draws, with many remarking on the value of leads gleaned. This paves the way for the shows’ rebrand for 2024, which sees the four events merge under one single name - Land, Leisure and Tourism Show.

There will be six distinct zones to the show next year, including Farm Business Diversification, to cater for the wide range of exhibitors the event draws. With an evident appetite by the majority of the visitors for alternative land use and diversification, this demand will be further met in the shows’ new format, with more emphasis put on this audience.

THE ROLEC TEAM were out in force at the holiday industry’s biggest event.

HEALTHY APPETITE
This year’s show saw over 11,000 visitors through the doors, with two thirds of attendees decision makers within their businesses, providing a very valuable audience. With pressures within the agricultural sector, over three-quarters of visitors were looking to diversify or expand within the next 12 months.

Now in his eighth year as an exhibitor, Chris Otty, regional sales director at Cottages.com expressed his support of the event. He said: “There is no other show with such a great array of products, and I think it gets bigger every year as well as continuously improving. “The NEC is a great location for the show as it’s such a central location and we have met with people from all over the country, including several Scottish visitors,” he added.

Verity Hyland, Event Director, Agriconnect said: “It was great to see so many business owners at the shows looking for ideas on how to take their businesses forward. “We are already planning next year’s event, under its new brand and name – Land, Leisure and Tourism.

Here, the four shows will merge to become one event, divided into zones, including Farm Business Diversification and Outdoor Pursuits, to reflect the wide range of areas of interest visitors already enjoy.” Next year’s shows will come together under a single brand - Land, Leisure and Tourism Show. There will be six distinct zones to the show to cater for the wide range of exhibitors at the show.

The six zones are:
• Farm Business Diversification
• Family Attractions and Entertainment
• Holiday Parks, Resorts and Events
• Great Tastes of the Country
• Leisure Food and Beverage
With more than 400 exhibitors anticipated supported by 50 seminar sessions attendance is expected to exceed 11,500 for this free event.

PAUL AND STEVE had plenty of ideas for visitors to the Pathfinder Homes stand.

BREAKING BARRIERS
Breaking barriers between industries, this event fosters collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas to create a vibrant space where professionals redefine tomorrow. Join us for interactive exhibits, workshops, and keynote presentations, all aimed at shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for these interconnected industries.

As holiday parks continue to keep up with the latest market trends, new products and services, the Holiday Parks, Resorts and Events zone (formerly Holiday Park and Resort Innovation) provides a dedicated area to explore the latest innovations. From new attraction features to business support, holiday park and resort owners visit this zone to find new products and ideas so they can add value to their venues and enhance customer experience on-site.

Whether you’re a holiday park owner, resort manager, event organiser, related service provider, or new to the industry, participating in this zone can open doors to potential business development opportunities. From discovering new products and services to exploring investment prospects, the trade show provides a dynamic platform to explore and capitalise on various avenues for business growth within the leisure and tourism sector.

The Holiday Parks, Resorts and Events zone aims to provide an excellent platform for networking with professionals and experts from the holiday park, resort, and event management industries. Whether you’re seeking partnerships, suppliers, or simply looking to expand your professional network, the trade show offers a conducive environment to meet and connect with like-minded individuals and businesses.

Attending this zone at the trade show allows you to gain valuable insights into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices within the holiday park, resort, and event sectors. From emerging technologies to evolving consumer preferences, staying informed about industry trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions for your business.

Book a day out to visit the 2024 Land, Leisure and Tourism Show which will be staged at the NEC on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 November 2024.

Visit the website to find out more: www.LLTShow.com

GREEN HOLIDAY PARK CHAMPIONS

Posted on October 25, 2023

GREEN HOLIDAY PARK CHAMPIONS

SCOTTISH TOURISM MINISTER Richard Lochhead MSP plants a commemorative hornbeam at the Findhorn park.

Eco-friendly tourism was on the agenda for Scotland’s Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead when he visited Findhorn Bay Holiday Park. The holiday park based near Forres is championing green getaways on the Moray Firth.

Mr Lochhead attended as a guest of the Scottish holiday park association (BH&HPA) in advance of his being the principal speaker at the body’s Edinburgh annual conference in November. The association said it was keen to show how many park businesses were helping to boost regional economies and create employment without damaging the environment.

The minister also made his contribution to a greener future by planting a commemorative hornbeam tree to mark what the park calls its “new series of eco-adventures”. The park, he heard, was based within the Findhorn Foundation Eco Village which, for over 50 years, has offered retreats, workshops and gatherings in its spectacular setting.

Electricity on the park is generated by wind turbines, supported by the grid using a green energy tariff, so reducing to a minimum Findhorn’s carbon footprint. Its holiday accommodation is fully powered by green energy and is connected to an ecological waste-water treatment plant which also serves the 500 people living in the Eco Village.

Mr Lochhead also discussed the park’s plans to convert holiday caravans from gas to electricity, to invest in more eco-friendly accommodation, and its flood alleviation projects.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

Posted on August 3, 2023

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

The vibrant mix of holiday destination talent...

BUTLIN’S BIG WEEKENDERS, exclusively for adults, has a brand-new break for 2023, We Call It Dance.

Holiday entertainment has significantly evolved from the first Redcoats of the 1930 and the Hi de Hi era of the Sixties. Operators of parks, large and small, still agree that getting the entertainment mix right remains crucial to ensure happy, satisfied customers. While holiday parks continue to evolve and offer modern amenities, depending on the target market, the traditional camp host still has a place.

Their expertise, personal touch, and ability to create a sense of community contribute to the overall experience and can make a holiday park stay even more enjoyable. These days, holiday destinations are constantly raising the bar by offering a diverse range of entertainment options to cater to different age groups and interests.

A mix of live shows, musical performances, themed events, and interactive experiences all aim to engage visitors. Holiday parks typically manage their entertainment offerings through a combination of planning, coordination, and collaboration.

 

• Entertainment Programming: Design a varied programme that caters to different age groups and interests, including live performances, themed events, sports tournaments, and workshops.

• Talent Booking: While considering the preferences and demographics of guests, working with external performers or talent agencies can be a cost-efficient way of securing talent such as musicians, magicians, dancers, and comedians.

• Activity Scheduling: The entertainment team creates a schedule for activities, ensuring a good balance throughout the day. This helps guests plan their participation and prevents overlapping events.

• Facilities and Venues: Dedicated spaces for entertainment may include theatres, outdoor stages, sports courts, and activity rooms. These areas are equipped with appropriate sound systems, lighting, and seating arrangements to enhance the overall experience.

• Key Personnel: Trained staff members including entertainers, activity coordinators, and event managers, are employed to execute the entertainment programme. They oversee the smooth operation of events, interact with guests, and ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety.

• Guest Feedback: Collecting client feedback through surveys, suggestion boxes, or online platforms.

This helps them understand preferences, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to future programs. No better example of holiday destination entertainment than Butlins with its wide range of shows, live performances, and activities suitable for all ages. The resorts often feature popular acts, live music, and themed events, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.

THE EVOLUTION OF UK HOLIDAY destination entertainment has resulted in a more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors. Pic. Fowlers

BIG WEEKENDERS
Ranging from genre specific breaks like the new We Call It Dance weekender to popular decade breaks, 2023 will see 16 different Big Weekenders – all for adults only. There are also some new, big-name artists performing at Butlin’s for the first time. Continuing with the dance theme, Tom Zanetti, Route 94 and Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago are all new acts playing the We Love Ibiza weekender.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is other new headliner performing on Back To The 2000s and Replay Weekenders. Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “We’re thrilled to be introducing a new dance weekender featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. “We Call It Dance is a brilliant opportunity to get your mates together and enjoy an unforgettable three nights of house, disco, garage and much more.

We can’t wait to see everyone on the dancefloor in Skegness later this year.” With the tagline ‘the Home of Entertainment’, Butlin’s is continually redefining what entertainment is, could and should be. The holiday park chain is opening a brand-new indoor activity centre, PLAYXPERIENCE, at its Bognor Regis resort.

Described as “an immersive indoor hub”, this new £15million space will feature a variety of experiences all under one roof. Covering nearly 50,000 square feet, each room will be filled with adrenaline-pumping activities in the daytime and competitive, interactive bar games in the evening.

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS like Park Holidays UK continue to invest in the quality on-site entertainment.

BIG SPENDERS
In 2022 Parkdean Resorts announced a £140 million spend nationwide at its parks as part of its biggest ever investment programme. The investment went towards new accommodation, new and upgraded activities and facilities, and installing park-wide Wi-Fi capability.

The investment also allowed Parkdean to continue to roll out its hugely popular brand partnerships, with Bear Grylls’ Survival Academy, Tots’ Breaks, and events and entertainment from Milkshake and Nickelodeon now available at more parks than ever.

Steve Richards, Chief Executive of Parkdean Resorts tells us: “By investing in our parks, we’re not only improving the guest experience, but we’re also ensuring that holidaymakers keep coming back year after year, spending money in local shops, attractions, pubs and restaurants, and supporting the communities that rely so heavily on tourism.”

The entertainment and activity offering at holiday operator Away Resorts is unique to each park. Across the portfolio there is everything from archery to line dancing, laser tag, axe throwing and zorbing, to alpaca walks and yoga, arts and crafts, bug hunts. fishing and cycle hire.

There are also traditional character shows, breakfasts and meet-and- greets with the likes of Bear, Scratch and Lucy. Sammi Storey, Entertainment Manager at Sandy Balls says “[Bear’s] so real, and it’s so rewarding seeing all the kid’s smiles!”

PROVIDING DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT options will cater to different preferences and age groups.

 

CUSTARD PIE
Creative Director Max Barraclough is proud of what Away Resorts has achieved: “My team thrives on building unique experiences our customers will remember forever,” he says. “Our Custard Pie and Colour Festival events are now famous, with guests coming back time and time again for them.

“Our mini festivals get customers singing, dancing and really letting go. We Live Stream many events now, so no matter which park you’re staying at you can enjoy the full Away Resorts experience. We like to think the attention to detail in all our entertainment shines through.”

The entertainment offering is big – and growing - at all the parks. A good example of this family together festival, Famaland. New for 2023, it will take place at Tattershall Lakes between 21st July –2nd September and bring together epic headline shows, mini versions of its well-loved festivals including Dinoworld, Colour Throws and Custard Pie Fights, as well as some brilliant family favourite character appearances.

“All our most popular events together each week,” says the creative team behind it. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, enchanting live performances, or a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, the evolution of UK holiday destination entertainment has resulted in a more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors, with a focus on providing diverse entertainment options that cater to different preferences and age groups.

VANLIFE FESTIVAL SET TO ATTRACT THOUSANDS

Posted on May 10, 2023

VANLIFE FESTIVAL SET TO ATTRACT THOUSANDS

VANLIFE FESTIVAL director Damien Jones (right) with Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover.

Organisers of this summer’s The VanLife Festival in Shrewsbury say 1,300 vans have booked for the event, which runs from June 2-4. The remaining 500 pitches for the event at the West Midlands Showground are expected to sell-out in advance for the Festival, sponsored by Salop Leisure.

The festival has transferred to Shrewsbury after outgrowing its site in Stratford on its sell out debut last year. The VLF team predict the event could attract up to 15,000 people over the three days.

Filling a gap in the market, the inclusive festival welcomes all makes and models, from the smallest micro campers to coaches, horseboxes, motorhomes, tents, adventure trucks, self-build campers, day vans, custom vans and everything in between, regardless of their budget or build.

The festival will have inspirational display vehicles, workshops, travel talks, YouTubers, live music, night market with quirky traders, tasty street food, bars, fire-pits, bespoke traders specialising in kit accessories and gear, children’s entertainment, a funfair, bushcraft, holistic wellbeing and outdoor activities.

There will also be a ‘Field of Dreams’ with 100 display vehicles including conversions and self builds as seen on George Clark’s Amazing Spaces TV programme, as well as vintage caravan dating back to the 1940’s through to the 1970’s… for the retro vibe.