The Newport conference venue
Party time at the 2024 conference
NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
HEADLINE SPONSORS
VIRGIN ATLANTIC Nicki Goldsmith, director of global agency sales
potential within their existing client database, agents can discover ways to seamlessly introduce touring and adventure holidays into their offering,” said Alobaidi. “The more new-to-touring clients
that agents can convert, the greater the overall growth and success of the touring and adventure market.” He highlighted how agents play
a “critical role” for suppliers in the sector, adding: “We massively value the partnerships we have here. “We find that the trade
significantly over-indexes in our early sales, particularly for long-haul, and because of this, we rely on travel agents to test out new itineraries and destinations, because we get much earlier feedback from them. “We also find that the trade is
particularly important for supporting our regional airport departures and helping us to optimise our offering in this area – the local expertise that agents have with the customers in their immediate area is vital for this.”
Top speakers Speakers at the conference will include renowned author, explorer and photographer Levison Wood, sponsored by Quark Expeditions, who will talk about his extensive expeditions in remote locations. As well as a panel featuring
executives from the touring, adventure and expedition sectors, there will be sessions focusing on youth travel, B Corps, customer service and the family market. The conference will again be
moderated by Lucy Huxley, Travel Weekly editor-in-chief. Brighton will update delegates about Atas research
travelweekly.co.uk
on sales trends and booking data. Other highlights will include
the Atas Recognition Awards, a trade fair, a ‘Night of Incredible Journeys’ sponsored by Incredible Journeys, a drinks reception sponsored by Riviera Travel and a gala night sponsored by Virgin Atlantic and Delta. Reflecting on the past 12 months,
Brighton said: “We have had a busy schedule of networking, trips and events since our last conference, and I’ve really enjoyed catching up with our agents and members across the UK and overseas. “We’ve also had developments,
such as our super new-look website and new training powered by our sister brand Online Travel Training. “The association has gone
from strength to strength. We now have more than 7,500 agents on our database, plus more than 40 supplier brands as members, and 17 associate members. “It’s been so heartening to have
a host of new members joining us over the past year and I’m excited for them to come along to our annual conference for the first time. “I’m grateful for all the support
from our board members and the agents on our advisory panel, who have helped to guide the association and to shape the content of our conference to ensure it’s as relevant and entertaining as possible. “I also want to thank all the
sponsors who help to make the conference a reality, with special recognition for headline sponsors Tigerbay, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, as well as first-time sponsor Costa Rica Tourism Board.”
11 SEPTEMBER 2025 11
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’ve seen in the cruise sector. Together, our partnership unlocks an incredible network of gateways across the US, enabling customers to
seamlessly connect to countless onward destinations and explore even more of what the US has to offer.
COSTA RICA TOURISM BOARD
Angelica Herra Cruz, public relations Europe at ICT Costa Rica is honoured to be a headline
sponsor of the Atas Conference for the
first time. Our destination is renowned for its rich biodiversity, adventure experiences and pioneering in sustainability. We hope to inspire
agents to uncover the full value of Costa Rica and to showcase why it’s the top choice for adventure and touring holidays.
TIGERBAY Carl Morgan, managing director
Tigerbay is delighted to once again be the headline technology sponsor of the Atas
Conference. We believe this is a great initiative to raise awareness of the sector to agents and the wider travel community. Tours, adventure travel and multi-day travel is a growth area,
and it’s important that there is a platform for established operators and newcomers to talk about the wide-ranging product available.
PICTURES: Sarah Lucy Brown; Alberto Caceres R; Steve Dunlop; Claire Smith Photography; Shutterstock/Ceri Breeze
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