BLOG: Stunning architecture, fine dining, clean and hilly

Diary of an AITO Agent – Overseas conference – Prague, June 2014

It was obvious from the moment we arrived in Prague that Czech Tourism, and Prague City Tourism in particular, wanted to prove that Prague is a city of great culture and fine dining…and not full of beer-swilling stag and hen parties – in fact, we didn’t see one all weekend.

We were based at the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle, next to Strahov Monastery, where the conference was held, but only a 25 minute walk from Charles Bridge.

The first evening at Lobkowicz Palace – the only privately owned property within Prague Castle – was very impressive. The meal was stupendous, the service exemplary, and the company, of course, the best! We were all, without exception, blown away and we thought "How will they follow this for the Gala Meal?"

The next day the conference began with our then Chairman, Oliver Broad, bursting into the conference room on a Segway. We were impressively moderated, as always, by Jono Vernon-Powell (Nomadic Thoughts), which was then followed by the market place. This year, all the agents sat down at the desks, with the operators moving round every five minutes – it’s the first time at any AITO conference that we have met all the operators. The simple ideas are always the best!

The theme of the conference was innovation. For the first panel and round-table debates, agents and operators discussed topics such as ‘how to improve our businesses’, and ‘how best to communicate with our customers’. Charles Reid from Carat then gave a lively presentation about Digital Relationships and the increasing importance of social media to our businesses.

In the afternoon, we visited Pilsen (Plze-ˆ) for a tour of Pilsner Urquell brewery, before descending to the cellars to sample their wares! We then split into groups for a dine-around experience in various restaurants and bars around the town.

On the Saturday morning, our first speaker was the thought-provoking Karen Willey from The Music Concierge, who provides tailored music for businesses, with impressive clients including Harrods, Mulberry and Dunhill. This was followed by a presentation by Joel Hicks, the founder of the ‘Always with a Smile’ charity, who talked about how we can all make something of our lives, however difficult times can be.

The conference finished with the announcement that Gemma Antrobus (Haslemere Travel), will be the new chair of AITO Agents. We all wish her well!

After lunch, we all went off on various excursions – ours was the Boat Trip on the Vltava River which was both relaxing and informative. The more adventurous group went on a Segway trip around the city…Oliver Broad has the bruises to prove it!

In the evening, we had our Gala Dinner which was at the Troja Chateau – the setting was stunning. After the meal, we were taken into the garden, which had been lit by hundreds of nightlights, for a firework display to end the evening.

Our thoughts overall? Prague’s architecture was a huge surprise: it is so full of character and is immaculately clean and tidy. A small city, in real terms, and although hilly, it is easy to get around – it’s beautiful. Huge thanks to Czech Tourism, Prague City Tourism and Plze-ˆ Tourism for their outstanding hospitality and of course to AITO for a great conference. We will be back!

Peter and Libby Cookson – Spear Travels