More provisions for group organisers at properties such as those in The National Trust
When I worked in Austria and Germany, I found it was common practice for the group organiser to be given free refreshments at rest stops and attractions. In the UK, however, I believe this practice is rarely observed and it does not seem to be understood that if it were not for the group organiser, the group would not be there.
For instance, I recently booked to take a group to a National Trust property where the coach driver was given a £3.00 voucher, but there was no provision for the organiser. I shall ask for free refreshments, but would rather they were provided as a thank you.
Sheila Tunstall
Outings/Holiday Organiser
U3A, Buckinghamshire
GTO asked The National Trust to respond:
In reply to Sheila Tunstall’s letter (GTO 192, May), The National Trust values all GTOs and the business they bring to our sites, especially as this funding helps to keep our properties open for everyone to enjoy. However, as a charity, we have limited financial resources and our properties would have to fund free refreshments from their already over-stretched budgets. We do offer coach drivers free refreshments, but this is merely to encourage them to leave their coaches and have a break.
As an organisation, we try to make group organisers’ jobs easier by providing free literature for planning a trip. This includes both a Groups Guide and bi-annual newsletters. We do appreciate feedback, nonetheless, and will consider any comments made when we next come to review our practices and procedures.
Laura Brown
Visitor Marketing Press Officer
The National Trust