Home » Latest Travel News of UK » Manchester, Bath, Peak District: Uncover the Charm of Regional Britain with VisitBritain’s Trade Mission
Published on
September 4, 2025
VisitBritain is preparing to host the highly anticipated Destination Britain Americas trade mission, which aims to strengthen inbound tourism and drive economic growth for the UK. Scheduled from September 10 to 14 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the event will gather British tourism suppliers and top buyers from Canada, the USA, and Brazil, promoting Britain as the ultimate travel destination.
With 53 British suppliers meeting 47 international buyers, the three-day mission will focus on showcasing the diverse destinations and world-class experiences that Britain has to offer, ranging from the historic city of Bath to the scenic beauty of Cumbria, the cultural richness of Manchester, and the vibrant life in the West Midlands. This initiative aligns with VisitBritain’s efforts to enhance the country’s tourism footprint and boost visitor spending, supporting local economies across regions.
Building Connections for Economic Growth
The Destination Britain Americas trade mission serves as a cornerstone of VisitBritain’s strategy to expand its tourism outreach. During the event, one-on-one meetings, networking opportunities, and seminars will allow international buyers to learn about the UK’s diverse offerings. The focus will be on broadening travelers’ itineraries, encouraging them to explore lesser-known destinations across Britain, such as County Durham and Derbyshire, in addition to the usual high-traffic cities like London and Edinburgh.
VisitBritain’s CEO, Patricia Yates, emphasized the importance of this mission for strengthening ties with the Brazilian, Canadian, and US markets. The trade mission is designed to build relationships that will lead to increased tourism, ultimately driving the growth of Britain’s economy. The mission is seen as a step toward ensuring that the tourism sector remains one of the UK’s most valuable service exports, with an estimated £34.9 billion in visitor spending projected for 2025.
Expanding Britain’s Global Appeal
The mission will highlight Britain’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and world-class attractions to a select group of top buyers. These buyers are expected to return to their respective countries with a wealth of new information about Britain’s offerings, promoting less-explored areas like the Cotswolds, Peak District, and Wales. The goal is to encourage visitors to discover these hidden gems and spend more time exploring the diverse regions of the UK.
Tourists interested in exploring these lesser-known locations will find a variety of experiences to choose from. For example, the beautiful beaches of Cornwall, the charming villages of the Cotswolds, and the scenic walks in the Peak District offer unique opportunities for travelers who want to go beyond traditional destinations. Additionally, the mission will emphasize the many film and TV locations featured in VisitBritain’s ongoing Starring GREAT Britain campaign, which capitalizes on the global love for British cinema to attract tourists.
The Role of British Suppliers and Airlines
The delegation of British tourism suppliers, which includes hotels, visitor attractions, transport providers, and tour operators, is set to play a key role in promoting the country’s rich diversity of travel options. These suppliers will meet with international buyers to discuss potential partnerships and new tour offerings. Airlines, including British Airways and easyJet, are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating easier access to Britain for international travelers, making it more convenient for tourists to explore beyond major cities.
Through the trade mission, these suppliers will gain valuable insights into trends and motivations driving travel to Britain, which will help shape future tourism strategies and offerings.
The Growing Popularity of Regional Travel
While cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester continue to attract substantial international attention, there has been a notable shift towards regional travel in the UK. According to VisitBritain’s recent research, many tourists are now opting to explore smaller towns and cities, looking for more authentic, quieter experiences that offer better value for money. The trade mission will highlight the attractions and accommodations available in these regions, such as boutique hotels in the countryside and local, family-run restaurants offering authentic British cuisine.
One of the benefits of this shift is that it helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the UK. By drawing attention to lesser-known destinations, the tourism industry helps support local businesses and communities that may otherwise be overlooked by mass tourism.
Why American, Brazilian, and Canadian Markets Are Key
America, Canada, and Brazil represent some of the most important international markets for British tourism, and VisitBritain’s targeted outreach to these countries is designed to encourage more travelers to visit. Americans, in particular, have a strong connection with the UK due to shared history, language, and cultural ties. Canada’s proximity to the UK, along with its multicultural population, makes it a prime market for diverse tourism experiences. Meanwhile, Brazil’s growing middle class and increasing interest in international travel have made it a key market for British tourism in recent years.
The trade mission is expected to lead to significant growth in these markets, especially as British suppliers gain valuable insights into the preferences and demands of these travelers. By understanding the needs of these international tourists, Britain can better position itself to attract a wider range of visitors and increase spending.
Quick Tips for Tourists Interested in Visiting Britain
- Explore Regional Destinations: Don’t just stick to the big cities. Consider venturing to the Cotswolds, Peak District, or the Welsh coast for a quieter, more authentic experience.
- Check Out the Film Locations: Take part in VisitBritain’s Starring GREAT Britain campaign and visit famous film and TV locations that showcase the country’s beauty.
- Take Advantage of Shoulder Seasons: Traveling outside peak tourist months allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy better prices, especially in less-visited locations.
- Look for Local Tours: Many regions offer locally guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture. This supports local businesses and gives a more authentic experience.
- Book Early for Best Deals: The trade mission highlights the importance of booking early to get the best deals on flights and accommodation, especially for regional travel.
Key Points to Remember
- VisitBritain is hosting the Destination Britain Americas trade mission to strengthen ties with key markets in the US, Canada, and Brazil.
- British suppliers are showcasing destinations such as Bath, Manchester, and the Cotswolds, along with Scottish and Welsh attractions.
- Tourism spending in the UK is expected to reach £34.9 billion in 2025, with significant contributions from the markets targeted by the trade mission.
- Regional tourism is on the rise, with travelers increasingly seeking out less-crowded destinations that offer unique cultural experiences.
- The Starring GREAT Britain campaign aims to inspire visitors by highlighting famous film and TV locations across the UK.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for British Tourism
The Destination Britain Americas trade mission is a pivotal event for the UK’s tourism industry, bringing together British suppliers and international buyers to create opportunities for growth and development. By focusing on regional destinations and offering unique, immersive experiences, VisitBritain hopes to attract a more diverse range of tourists, spreading the benefits of tourism beyond the most visited cities. As the UK continues to rebuild and strengthen its tourism sector, this mission is set to play a major role in shaping the future of travel to Britain.
