Aito seeks testimonials to boost agent members
Juliet Dennis Algarve, Portugal
Aito is hoping word of mouth about its third annual ‘famference’ will attract more members as it unveils plans to raise its trade profile through agent testimonials. The Specialist Travel Association
(Aito) hosted 30 operator and agent members on an “off-the-beaten-track” fam trip to the Algarve last weekend. The event took place as Aito
targets significant expansion over the next 18 months. It aims to increase the number of operator members from 100 to 150 by the end of 2026 and to grow the number of Aito Agents from 75 branches, made up of 46 companies, to 100 branches. Executive director Martyn
Sumners said the trip would play an important role in attracting more agents and operators to join the association of specialist small and medium-sized businesses. He said: “We rely hugely on word
of mouth. We have got people on this trip who are huge advocates of Aito who will attend other events after this and say to people, ‘Why not consider Aito?’ We are [already] getting operators approach us because agents talk about Aito at networking events.” He admitted the current rate
Martyn Sumners (left) and Gemma Antrobus (right) with some of the Aito
members in Portugal
of expansion was “not going as fast as we would like”, blaming the review of Atol and Package Travel Regulations for taking up much of Aito’s focus, and revealed plans to seek testimonials in which agents will be asked what they love about Aito. Sumners said it was essential
for Aito to “simplify” its marketing message to encourage others to join. He cited a recent booking worth
more than £2 million by an Aito agent with an Aito operator as an example of the benefits of the “bonds of trust” within the organisation. “Agents have different reasons for
being part of Aito and the majority of the benefits are intangible,” he said.
Virgin Atlantic to resume flying to Canada after 11-year absence
Virgin Atlantic is launching a service to Canada in 2025, its first for 11 years. The daily service, from Heathrow to Toronto Pearson airport, will start on March 30, with one-way fares from £490. Virgin previously operated a service to Vancouver that ended in 2014. Founder Sir Richard Branson has also indicated his desire for the airline to return to Gatwick after a four-year absence.
8 13 JUNE 2024 “We will ask agents for
testimonials and pull together what is most important to them.” Aito Agents chair Gemma
Antrobus said publicising agent members’ views would raise awareness of Aito’s role. “There is nothing better than
word of mouth,” she said. “There are so many misperceptions about what we do; some agents think we are another consortium.” Currently, a “few more” agents
are in the pipeline to join, while Aito is also in talks with more specialist operators interested in becoming
members or rejoining. i Antrobus: Fams are win-win, page 10
Fred Olsen Travel acquires one-store Solent World Travel
Fred Olsen Travel has acquired Solent World Travel in Lee-on-Solent, taking its network to 21 shops. Previously owned by The Advantage Travel Partnership for 11 years, the agency has operated in the same shop in the Hampshire town for 34 years, under different names. It will retain its name and team following the deal.
Best in cruise and touring revealed in Hotlist supplement
Travel Weekly has relaunched The Hotlist, a supplement recognising top suppliers in the cruise and touring and adventure sectors, as voted for by agents and consumers. This edition of The Hotlist
– the first since the pandemic – comprises 35 categories across the two sectors. Travel Weekly agent readers were polled across 25 categories about the best ocean and river cruise companies, as well as touring and adventure suppliers. Within the guide, the top six
in each category – which includes best for families, best for solo travellers and best for luxury – are revealed, alongside selling tips and inspiration for agents. Meanwhile, headline partner
Travelzoo also gathered responses among its community of members who voted on 10 consumer categories in cruise and touring. The winners in each category
were recognised at an event in central London on Wednesday. “We’re delighted to have
partnered with Travelzoo for the relaunch of The Hotlist and would also like to thank Clia and Atas for their support,” said Travel Weekly editor- in-chief Lucy Huxley.
Classic Collection unveils new platform as part of overhaul
Classic Collection has unveiled a new booking platform as it completes the move to a “one brand, one platform” model. The On the Beach-owned operator previously announced a restructure of its trade division to streamline its Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays operations and said the single brand will offer “more product choice and booking flexibility”.
travelweekly.co.uk
2024 2024
CRUISE TOURING & ADVENTURE in association with CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
THE
PICTURE: Hannah Vincent
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