Niel Alobaidi (centre) and panellists at last year’s conference
Levison Wood
Great expectations W
Atas Conference 2025 preview: Agents can ‘Expect the Unexpected’ during the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers’ conference at the ICC Wales. Samantha Mayling reports
ith interest in off-the-beaten- track destinations growing, the
theme for this year’s Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers’ Conference is ‘Expect the Unexpected’. About 400 delegates will be
heading to Newport in Wales next week for the eighth annual Atas Conference (September 16-17), including 250 travel agents. Atas director Claire Brighton
said: “Our agenda, speakers and ‘Unexpected’ theme aim to inspire agents to think outside the box.” It will also be the first conference
with Niel Alobaidi, chief executive of Newmarket Holidays, as chair, following his assumption of the role in succession to Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid Travel’s EMEA managing director, in May. Alobaidi hailed Bencheikh’s
achievements over the past two years, including the development of initiatives such as Atas Experiences trips to Lake Como and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, and Atas Presents networking events across the UK. He said these had propelled Atas
10 11 SEPTEMBER 2025
to “a place where it feels ready to look at how we can accelerate its growth even further”, building its recognition as the “go-to voice for the sector”.
Continued growth Commenting on current trends, Alobaidi said: “There is continued growth in the market for more experiences, particularly in long-haul. “Places such as South Africa,
India, Canada and the Far East are continuing to grow strongly.
Claire Brighton
“In the main, traditional
‘destination highlights’-type itineraries continue to be the key drivers of growth, but we are also seeing secondary-type itineraries – a bit more off the beaten track – proving increasingly popular. “From a short-haul perspective,
classic favourites such as Italy and Croatia continue to go from strength to strength. But we are also seeing increasing interest in less traditional destinations, such as eastern
Lucy Huxley
Europe, Albania and the Nordics.” He said the conference is
designed to be engaging and educational, “helping agents embrace the dynamic nature” of the sector, and to strengthen connections between members and agencies. “By bringing together a broad
range of touring and adventure suppliers, this event provides agents with valuable insights and product knowledge that they can take back to their businesses and share with customers,” added Alobaidi. “The sessions bring the sector to
life, highlighting opportunities and experiences agents may not have previously considered offering their clients. They also help them to better inform their clients about the unique value, inclusions and experiences, and the variety of options that touring and adventure travel can offer.”
New opportunities The conference will also highlight business opportunities that agents may not have previously considered, helping to drive further growth within the sector, he noted. “Whether through attracting new customers or identifying
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