VisitBritain workshop unpacks new digital ETA entry pass
There was plenty of new product news at the recent VisitBritain workshop for travel advisors in Vancouver, but one item in particular grabbed the interest of many attending agents.
Just announced is the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) digital document, which will soon be available for use by Canadians (plus other nationalities) who are planning travel to the UK.
ETAs are being introduced as part of the transformation and digitization of the UK border, says a British government statement. “They will enable a more efficient customer experience and cement the UK as a world leader in border security.”
ETAs for North American visitors
The British government announced the ETA for North American visitors, including all Canadians – adults and children – earlier in September.
It will be mandatory for travel to the UK for trips from Jan. 8, 2025 onward. And it will be available for purchase as of Nov. 27, 2024.
The ETA cost is £10.00 per person. It permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. More information is at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
Lynda Falcone, the travel trade manager in Canada for VisitBritain, noted that many agents attending the recent workshop in Vancouver last week were asking questions about the new ETA. Falcone and Ritushri Dhankher, communications and travel trade executive for VisitBritain in Canada, welcomed more than 60 agents to the “Spilling the Tea on GB” event, which was held at the Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport in Richmond.
Also attending were supplier reps from Air Canada, as well as destination reps from Visit Wales and Visit Scotland, plus Canadian tour operator partners, Goway, Globus, RIT and TravelBrands.
Canadian visitations to the UK topped the 1 million mark for the first time 2023, generating nearly £1 billion pounds (£970 million) of tourism revenue.
New attractions
Having entered the country with more security, Canadian visitors will be keen to know that some significant attractions await their arrival in the near future.
For instance, the new Museum of Shakespeare is scheduled to open in 2025, and part of that will be the archaeological remains of The Curtain Playhouse itself. Located three metres underground, guests will travel back to the year 1598 for a fantastical retelling of a day in the life of William Shakespeare through immersive and interactive experiences. The attraction is located in Shoreditch in east London.
Already open is the new F1 Arcade, a race-based entertainment centre that has locations in London (near St. Paul’s) and, coming soon, in Birmingham. F1 car simulators allow participants to go wheel to wheel with their friends in groups, or to even race against seasoned pros. And they can grab a cocktail or appetizers from the bar while doing so.
Head-to-Head is the race mode for smaller groups. All races are back to back, and patrons can opt for three races (booking length around 30 minutes) or five races (booking length around 45 minutes).
Things to do outside London
There is plenty on tap outside of London as well.
Visitors who like their British literature should know that the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen is upcoming in 2025, and that celebratory events are in the works, for instance in Bath. Also, new exhibitions are being prepared for Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, Hampshire, which was her final home. It was there that Austen wrote and revised her six novels.
Air Canada wants UK-bound passengers to know that nonstop services to London Heathrow (LHR) are available from Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax. Amongst the most noteworthy is the resumption of flights between Ottawa and London, which will start on Mar. 31, 2025. Air Canada also offers services to Manchester and Edinburgh.
Upcoming events for VisitBritain in Canada are scheduled for the InterContinental Hotel Montreal on Sept. 24; Cambridge Mill in Cambridge on Oct. 22; and Rodman Hall in Niagara/St Catherines on Oct. 23.
By the end of 2023 and into 2024, VisitBritain had completed seven workshops. These were held in Kingston, Ajax, Barrie, London, Burlington, Ottawa and Calgary. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
