TravelPulse is in the UK as VisitBritain's annual FAM tour kicked off May 2nd in England. Seventeen Canadian tour operators, including Transat and TravelBrands, are taking part in the event, which will allow tour operators to explore lesser known regions of the so-called "tea country", including Devon, Cornwall and Harrogate.

"The purpose of the event is to allow Canadian tour operators to meet British suppliers as part of the ExploreGB trade show, which this year will be held in Harrogate," said Lynda Falcone, Canada's Trade Director for Canada, VisitBritain. “Approximately 300 product suppliers, both hoteliers and attractions, will be on site to meet the tour operators. We also take advantage of the trade show to organize a FAM tour which has two components: education and product development. "

During the 10-day journey, a variety of tour operators - FIT tour operators and student travel, multigenerational tours, high-end travel and consumer travel - will have the chance to discover new products to update their brochure.

"This year, we decided to put forward England's food and beverage offer, a trend that is creating buzz in the industry right now,” says Falcone. “One important thing to note is that England is not known for food and beverages, so we want to present this offer in the south of the country. Many tour operators already sell products in the regions we are exploring, but we are trying to show them new things so that they can discover new things."

"We want to show them that even going to a casual pub can be a gastronomic experience. Also, all the excursions and activities that we present are commissionable. Agents can book them for their customers."

Exploration of Devon County and Historic Plymouth

The journey began in Devon, an area distinguished by its majestic and very green landscapes, especially in the Dartmoor National Park, as well as its rich gastronomic offer. "Devon is very accessible from London; two hours by train and people arrive here, "said Sally Everton, Director of VisitDevon.

"We distinguish ourselves by our two national parks and our two coastal regions ideal for surfing and beach activities; we are the only county in England to offer this. Also, one of our strengths is gastronomy. We produce our own meat and fruit locally, and we have gin distilleries, in which people can participate in workshops, vineyards and, of course, tea plantations. Devon is a very diverse region that has something for everyone,” says Everton.

For their first night, travel agents had the chance to stay at the sublime Bovey Castle in Devon, a former private home built in 1907, converted into a hotel. It’s located in the heart of the Dartmoor State National Park, which is the most beautiful in the country according to Alex Graeme, a tour guide at Unique Devon Tours. The hotel has 59 rooms and 22 lodges and is ideal for golf, weddings and stays geared towards relaxation and healing.

The historic town of Plymouth, part of which was destroyed during the Second World War, was also on the menu. Very historic, the destination is nicknamed "the ocean city of England". One can go there for fishing trips in the open sea from the port of Plymouth.

Stay tuned for more details on this trip to the "land of tea!"