A group of twenty American travel representatives including the President and senior officers from the Association of American Travel Agents (ASTA), the President of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) and a selection of ASTA travel agents were welcomed to Bankside by the Marketing & Events Manager of Better Bankside during their visit to London on Sunday 5^th November.

The visit was part of the British Heritage Tours programme ‘So You Think You Know London’ that aims to promote a different side of London to American travel agents, the driving force of US tourism.  Better Bankside has embarked on this programme as part of its growing focus on area promotion, one of the company's seven core themes. Promoting Bankside to opinion-formers and special interest groups in the United States will help raise the profile of Bankside, position the area’s offer to an important long-haul market and ultimately increase visitor numbers and spend to the area. 

 

The evening visit to Bankside included a presentation and tour of Southwark Cathedral provided by one of the Cathedral guides who then gave us a walking tour from the Cathedral to the Rose Theatre.  Here the group was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rose Theatre site, followed by a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and exhibition.  The evening concluded with a traditional meal of fish and chips at the Founder’s Arms.

Paull Tickner, CEO of British Heritage Tours, said: “A brief note to thank you [Better Bankside] for masterminding an excellent closer look at Bankside. As the diversity of the tour unfolded, it became very clear that despite the cold and the jetlag, you had fired everyone's imagination. Your generous hospitality at the Founders Arms added the final finishing touch.”

 

Joanie Ogg, President of NACTA, also commented: "My sincere thanks for an absolutely enjoyable and enlightening evening in Bankside last week. There is no question that our membership needs to be made aware of the secret treasures that lie there and to the charm that the area offers. Southwark Cathedral shares such history and beauty and the Rose Theater was truly an historical treat. I look forward to my return to the area to attend a play at Shakespeare's Globe. The gentleman who took us through both the Rose and the Globe was so charming and truly shared his enthusiasm and joy with all of us! Thank you and all of your colleagues for an unforgettable evening!