AITO picks Dubai for its summer conference
Dubai has been picked as the host destination for AITO’s summer overseas conference this year.
The association has chosen a two conference format for 2013 so members can focus on the issues affecting them most.
The venue of AITO’s winter conference, which will be held in November, will be announced in the next few months.
The summer event, from 14-17 June, will focus on three themes – the retail environment, how best to maximise the unique benefit of relationships between AITO Tour Operators and AITO Specialist Travel Agents and a careful analysis of consumer aspirations for travel in 2013 and beyond.
Whereas the winter conference will focus on how to run an entrepreneurial and profitable travel business, how to choose the right travel suppliers, destinations and experiences to inspire new and repeat customers and how to optimise online technology for more effective operations and marketing.
Derek Moore, chairman of AITO, said: "Building on the success of one overseas conference for both our agent and operator members over the past two years, this updated two-conference format for 2013 will allow much more time to discuss the many issues within our challenging industry."
AITO members have just finished their domestic conference in Warwickshire where tour ops and agents took part in a ‘speed-dating’ style marketplace with each other.
The AITO All Stars incentive scheme 2012 recognised AITO agents who had achieved the best results selling AITO holidays at an awards ceremony.
National All Star of the Year and South of England All Star was Hertfordshire-based Beaver Travel, North of England and Northern Ireland All Star was Cheshire-based Deva Travel and Central England and the East All Star was Staffordshire-based RB Collection (Robert Broad Travel).
National, North of England and Northern Ireland Best Newcomer was County Down-based Feherty Travel.
South of England Best Newcomer was Hampshire-based Ambassador Travel and Central England and the East Best Newcomer was Nottinghamshire-based Hyde Barker Travel.
Worcestershire-based Carrick Travel was also recognised as the Most Improved AITO Agent and Stephanie Jepson of Gloucestershire-based Courtney World Travel picked up the Shining Star Award for her success selling AITO products over the last year.
Diane
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