News
Record 25 years of shows for Manchester Central’s longest standing client
Published at 14:54 on 14th of June 2011
Manchester Central and John Fish Exhibitions are jointly celebrating as they announce that 2012 will see The Holiday and Travel Show return to Manchester Central for its 25th year, making it the venue’s longest standing client, and the longest running travel show in the country.
The show was launched by John Fish, when he was Director of Ewart Watson Exhibitions, in 1987, opening its doors to the people of Manchester and offering them all their holiday and travel needs under one roof. “It was an instant success,” recalls John. “In our first year we had around 5,000 people coming through the doors and, as time went on, it simply grew and grew. The team at Manchester Central has been a great support over the years and they have been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone.”
John formed John Fish Exhibitions Ltd in 1992 with his wife, Jean, and they have continued to return to Manchester each January. This week they have signed their 25th contract, making it a record quarter of a century at the venue, and 20 years of The Holiday and Travel Show under the John Fish Exhibitions names.
Paula Lorimer, Sales Director at Manchester Central, has worked hard with the Fish family to promote and develop their show. She said: “It’s always exciting when an event is confirmed, but for the venue to be confirming an event for the 25th year in a row is something else.
“We have put our all into helping John and Jean develop The Holiday and Travel Show. Manchester itself is the perfect city for the show, with a top 20 international airport, fantastic road and rail links, and a history to rival any other UK city, making it a top tourism destination.
“Manchester Central’s pillar-free Central Hall provides the exhibition with flexible space in a beautiful, characteristic Grade II listed setting, with a striking new entrance giving that all-important first impression,” said Paula, adding, “Manchester Central is also celebrating its 25th year in 2011, so this is a very apt announcement!”
The show has evolved as the world moves into a digital age, and these changes have kept it fresh and exciting. Last year the show attracted more than 40,000 visitors and had over 200 exhibitors.
One of those exhibitors is Jeremy Hatton, Sales Services Manager of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, who has had a stand at the Manchester Holiday and Travel Show for a number of years and will return in January 2012. “We have always found The Holiday and Travel Show to be one of the best places to exhibit at. More people now turn to the internet for holidays, but there really is no substitute for speaking to customers face-to-face. We gain great feedback about our product from visitors to the show and the exhibition provides a great platform for us to generate new sales.”
The Daily Telegraph and Marks and Spencer now sponsor the show, bringing household names to the already well-established brand.
“The show remains the most successful and well-known travel show in the UK,” added John. “I am delighted that it is now in its 25th year at Manchester Central and its 20th year under John Fish Exhibitions. When I think back to our very first show it becomes clear to me just how far we have come. I am immensely proud of The Holiday and Travel Show and I cannot wait to see what the future brings.”
The show will take residence at Manchester Central on 6, 7 and 8 January 2012.
Visit www.holidayshows.com for more.