NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


HEADLINE SPONSORS


TIGERBAY Carl Morgan, managing director


There will be


sessions to help agents maximise their earnings from each sale and ‘move up a gear’


manager, and the second conference as chair for Niel Alobaidi, chief executive of Newmarket Holidays. Brighton said: “We have


seen another year of expansion and successes, with more agents and members – and plenty of events, ranging from ‘Atas Presents’ regional gatherings to our summit in London in June. “We have also taken agents


on member fam trips, such as the South Africa fam with Contiki and AS Training – which was attended by Atas content executive Evie Sutherland – and an educational to Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, near Paris, in partnership with Travelsphere and Just You – travelling by Eurostar’s Premier Class.” Brighton added: “These valuable


events and training are only possible thanks to marvellous support from members – so I urge agents to do their utmost to reciprocate. “When you’re talking to clients


about holiday ideas, please prioritise and promote Atas members. “Atas members invest a great


deal of time, effort and money into events such as the conference – so we would encourage agents to ensure suppliers see a great return on that investment.” Alobaidi said: “I am really


travelweekly.co.uk


looking forward to the event and spending time with all the agent, associate and operator members. I’d also like to thank all the sponsors for their support. “It’s been an eventful year for


the trade, with the Middle East conflict, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, and heatwaves, so we’ve navigated plenty of challenges.” Speakers will include wildlife


expert Lizzie Daly – sponsored by AE Expeditions – and Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours, and the conference will again be moderated by Lucy Huxley, Travel Weekly editor-in-chief.


Charity partner Atas will welcome its first official charity partner – Reuben’s Retreat – which is well known in the travel trade. Delegates can join either a 3km or a 6km run to raise funds for the charity. Other highlights include the


Atas Recognition Awards, a trade fair, a ‘Night of Incredible Journeys’ sponsored by Incredible Journeys, a drinks reception sponsored by Newmarket Holidays, and a gala night sponsored by Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines. Brighton added: “I’d like to


thank board members and agents on our advisory panel, who help Atas continue to thrive and shape the content of our conference. “And thanks go to all the sponsors


who support our conference, with special recognition for headline sponsors Tigerbay, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, plus first-time sponsor, the China National Tourist Office, London.”


10 SEPTEMBER 2026 11


Tigerbay is proud to have been a headline sponsor of the Atas Conference since


its inception. As demand for meaningful, experience-led travel continues to grow, Atas plays a vital role in bringing the touring and adventure travel community together. We look


forward to another fantastic conference celebrating the best of the sector.


CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE, LONDON Li Zhang, director


Working closely with Atas gives us a valuable opportunity to connect with


specialist travel agents and showcase the extraordinary diversity of China. With 5,000 years of civilisation, breathtaking landscapes


and rich cultural heritage – and UK passport holders now able to visit visa-free for up to 30 days – China is more accessible than ever.


VIRGIN ATLANTIC Nicki Goldsmith, director of global agency sales


Touring is a key focus for Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines as we continue to


grow in specialist markets, building on the strong success we have seen in the cruise sector. Together, our partnership unlocks an incredible network of gateways across the US, enabling


customers to connect seamlessly to countless onward destinations and explore even more of what the US has to offer.


PICTURES: Steve Dunlop; Abbi Hughes; Claire Smith Photography; Motorsport Photography F1


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