AGTO launches recruitment drive
The Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) is looking to recruit new group organiser members with a campaign that will include the introduction of an Ambassador scheme and additional member benefits.
The recruitment campaign will include advertising, mailings, digital marketing, attendance at trade shows and PR.
In addition, AGTO looking to expand its network of branches around the country so that more members have access to the Association locally.
The Ambassador scheme will see the Association’s existing 400 GTO members wear a specially designed badge to identify them as an AGTO representative at trade shows and other events. This will enable them to engage with prospective new organiser members and talk to them about the benefits of joining AGTO, it said.
A series of briefing sessions and an incentive scheme will operate to assist existing members to undertake this work.
New membership benefits being introduced include a series of networking events at AGTO’s seven branches around the UK with speakers covering subjects such as legislation changes affecting GTOs and social media usage.
More regular communication with organiser members to highlight new special offers from AGTO supplier members will also be introduced as well as a new free Marketing Hotline to add to the existing Legal Hotline.
Chief executive Mike Bugsgang, said: "These are exciting developments. In 2015 the Association agreed a strategy that would initially conduct research amongst its members and industry opinion formers, build profile and awareness of the trade body then undertake a rebranding exercise including a change of name. Having successfully carried out these tasks, the next phase planned would be the recruitment of new members, especially group organisers.
"The important thing to bear in mind when seeking to recruit new members is that it’s not just about numbers. The Association has been in operation for 25 years and whilst GTO membership is open to all bona fide organisers that arrange anything from a couple of day trips a year to over 100 including overseas destinations, we are conscious that it is important that we attract the right type of members."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements