Youth travel makes its mark
The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) held its first youth seminar in London this month in a bid to put the sector on the government’s agenda. BETA executive director, Emma English told TravelMole that BETA hopes to be “a co-ordinated and cohesive voice for organisations in the educational and youth travel sector”. She added: “Previously there was no over-arching body for the sector. Really we are a lobbying organisation.” BETA was formed in April 2003 by a number of organisations working in the educational and youth travel sector. BETA is funded by nine founding sponsors including STA Travel, and by the membership fees from around 70 members. BETA has two full time and one part time staff member. The inaugural event, held at the London School of Economics, was attended by over 130 delegates. A spokeswoman for BETA told TravelMole that delegates included tour operators, accommodation providers, university and language school represntatives, and gap year agencies among others. Also attending the event were representatives from three government agencies – the British Council, VisitBritain and the UK Trade and Investments. The aim – to promote educational travel in Britain and overseas. Speaking at the seminar BETA executive director, Emma English said: “Educational travel is a vital part of Britain’s tourism industry, but for far too long the sector has been under recognised and under valued. With one in four travellers a young person, bringing together the key partners is the first part of BETA’s strategy in raising the profile of the sector.” Ms English told TravelMole that BETA intends to hold a second event in April. She said events are aimed at allowing members to air issues affecting the sector, such as safety and visas. With the help of Reed Exhibitions, BETA organised a ‘Youth Pavilion’ at this year’s WTM and encouraged 13 first-time exhibitors in the educational and youth sector to take part. Ms English hopes to repeat this next year.
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