AITO, the Specialist Travel Association, kicked off its 50th anniversary year with the 25th annual KickStart conference at the Leonardo Hotel, Hinckley Island. Over 100 members, including 45 independent travel agents and 57 specialist operators, gathered to network and strategise for the year ahead. The event featured a keynote discussion on "Gold Standard Partnerships" led by Agents Chair Gemma Antrobus and Sarah Turner.
The conference transitioned into a gala reception and the All Stars & Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding sales and engagement with AITO's core values. Notable winners included Andara Travel and Full Circle Travel, who received Gold Excellence Awards, and Distinctive World Travel, named Tour Operator of the Year. The evening concluded with a "Sensational 70s" themed dinner and silent disco, celebrating AITO's founding decade.
The second day focused on networking through the AITO Marketplace, with 37 rapid-fire sessions fostering collaboration and new business opportunities. Executive Director Martyn Sumners highlighted the event's success, stating, "Starting our 50th year with such a high level of engagement from both agents and operators is a testament to the enduring power of the AITO family."
The conference served as a successful launchpad for AITO's milestone year, promising continued growth and innovation in the specialist travel sector.
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