AITO conference attracts 200 delegates

AITO Agents and AITO operators recently gathered for the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference – held for the first time at Jurys Inn Hinckley Island Hotel, from 9-10 January.

With close to 200 delegates in attendance, the conference programme included networking opportunities, business sessions and workshops, and also saw the achievements of AITO Agents recognised and rewarded at the annual All Stars Awards Ceremony.

Chairman of AITO Agents, Gemma Antrobus, said: “AITO First was the hot theme of this year’s domestic conference, encouraging AITO Agents  always to recommend AITO tour operators first when receiving an enquiry from a client.

“Last year, AITO Agents and operators together produced a staggering £56.4 million worth of business (up from £53.6 million in 2014), which is great evidence of the strong partnership between AITO and AITO Agents. Not only is this an increase in sales of 6%, but it works out at £5.6 million of total commission for agents, or an average of £48,000 per branch. Now our thoughts are turning to how we can continue to work together to ride the wave and improve business even more.

“Good attendance is an issue at many conferences these days, with many travel agents wanting to attend free of charge.  For small independent travel agents to pay full price to spend their weekend in conference with AITO tour operators and affiliates – especially during their busiest selling period – speaks volumes, and underlines the strength and importance of this working partnership to us all.”

Headline-sponsored by AITO operators Classic Collection Holidays and Abercrombie & Kent, the conference featured an expert panel with Noel Josephides (Sunvil and ABTA), David Holland (African Pride), Carole Short (Beaver Travel) and Carolyn Park (C The World). Interesting industry issues discussed included terrorism and how tour operators and agents should work together with clients when there’s an international crisis, plus the controversial topic of price-matching, and whether vouchers should be accepted from tour operators or not.

The conference finished with a giant marketplace, one of the largest gatherings of independent agents and operators in the travel industry calendar. With the operators seated, it gave agents the chance to network with AITO operators while learning about new products and destinations for 2016.

The charity supported for the weekend was Family Holiday Association, the national charity dedicated to offering seaside breaks and day trips to struggling families.

AITO delegates raised £994 from donations on the night, including £175 in texts received; gift aid pushed the total donation figure to over £1,000 -enough to send two families away on holiday, to the delight of all involved.