Driving Future International Visits Through German Schools Competition

Visit York is supporting a new international student competition campaign, delivered by VisitBritain in partnership with German group travel specialist CTS Reisen, designed to introduce York to future visitors through educational travel.

Running in the German market from August 2025, the campaign gave schools the opportunity to win one of three fully supported class trips to York and the North York Moors National Park. The initiative is co-funded by CTS Reisen and the North York Moors National Park, demonstrating a strong shared commitment to promoting the region to international youth audiences.

The prize package includes return coach travel from Germany, overnight ferry crossings with P&O Ferries to Hull Ferry Port, accommodation, and a varied excursion programme showcasing both the North York Moors National Park and York. 

The first winning school saw a group of 20 18-20 year-olds visit from 31 January to 2 February 2026, with a full itinerary including York Minster, York Cocoa Works and National Railway Museum, in addition to a day trip to Whitby. Further trips for are planned for different schools later in the year to March 2027.

Visit York is supporting the campaign by promoting York as a key destination within the itinerary and working alongside partners to ensure visiting groups experience the city’s cultural, educational and visitor offer. 

Huge thanks to our attraction partners for welcoming the group in York and helping make this experience possible.

The campaign is being promoted widely across Germany through newsletters, social media and influencer activity, a direct mailing to 6,000 English teachers and a printed brochure distributed to 50,000 contacts, with participating attractions featured throughout campaign communications.

By engaging young audiences at an early stage, this activity helps position York as a welcoming and inspiring destination for international group travel, supporting long-term awareness and future visitation. Visit York will continue to work with partners to maximise the impact of this campaign and strengthen York’s profile in key overseas markets.