Prince Edward sells London

Mixing it in with a later visit to the Chelsea Flower Show HRH Prince Edward was the surprise Guest of Honour at an Apollo Theatre reception hosting for an important group of American travel experts last week.

The timing of the event could not be better, the announcement that the US would in November welcome British visitors, giving the event a feel-good factor.  The UK is open to US citizens.  

Some 40 owners, senior managers and top bookers, responsible for nearly $6bn in annual travel sales, were in the party on what was a high pressure five-night tour.  The whole trip was put together by US leading global luxury network Virtuoso, with the help in London of Noteworthy, the travel experiences company.

Prince Edward, in a fine relaxed speech, pointed out that it was not just London which was reopening but the whole of the United Kingdom.  

On a panel was Julia Simpson, once of IAG/British Airways, and recently appointed President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council; joined by Matthew Upchurch, Chairman & CEO, Virtuoso; Sally Balcombe, CEO, Visit Britain and Sir Rocco Forte, Rocco Forte Hotels.

They were clearly out to tell the visitors that by working together, London’s finest hotels, retailers, theatres and restaurants were well prepared to welcome back affluent Americans, who have been forecast to be the first to return to travel.  Browns, Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Shangri La at The Shard, were amongst the host hotels.  The visit comprised a whistle-stop tour including HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe, Churchill War Rooms, Princess Diana’s dress at Kensington Palace and even a short trip on the London Underground.  

www.virtuoso.com/travel

www.noteworthy.co.uk

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