Spring has a way of slipping in quietly. One moment it’s winter planning and contingency, the next there’s light in the mornings and a sense that the year ahead is beginning to take shape. That shift felt tangible at the Coach Tourism Association’s annual workshop in Derry, Londonderry. Nearly 180 members attended, supported by Tourism Ireland, and the mood was telling. There was plenty of networking, but noticeably less talk of firefighting and more discussion about shaping future programmes. It felt calmer. More assured.
That matters. After several seasons of short-notice decisions, group organisers are extending their planning horizons again. Operators are being asked not just about availability, but about ideas, routes and themes that stretch into 2026 and beyond. Confidence is returning, and with it a renewed appetite for well-planned, distinctive experiences.
That sense of momentum runs through this issue. From space and exploration to gardens, heritage and the ever-reliable appeal of Beauty and the Beast attractions, the focus is on helping operators and organisers think a little further ahead. Planning earlier, collaborating better, and sharing ideas more openly all make a difference.
Group travel isn’t just back on its feet. It’s finding its rhythm again — and that feels like a very good place to be.
Happy travels,
The Trusted Directory for Coach Travel
Coach travel has always been about more than getting from A to B. It is organised, predictable, and designed around shared experiences that turn journeys into lasting memories.
As Coach Touring The Directory 2026 reaches its 25th edition, it reflects a quarter of a century helping operators find places that truly understand groups.
The year ahead points to continued strength in domestic coach tourism. Demand remains resilient, with organisers planning earlier, spending more per head, and favouring attractions that offer structure, efficiency, and reliability. Well-planned coach visits benefit destinations not just for a day, but across an entire season.
This Directory is organised by region because that is how operators plan. It brings together venues that understand parking, timings, drivers’ needs, group menus, toilets, gift shops, and smooth arrivals. These are places built for coaches, not adapted as an afterthought.
Use this Directory to discover new routes, test fresh ideas, and strengthen proven programmes. Group travel remains human, real, and shared and the coach is still at its heart.
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