CONFERENCE Aito Famference 2025: Association hosts 40 members in Gibraltar. Juliet Dennis reports


Aito hails ‘best ever’ relationship between members


T


he bond between Aito agents and operators is “the best it has ever been”, according to Aito Agents


chair Gemma Antrobus. Speaking at the fourth annual


Aito Famference, held in Gibraltar, she said more of the association’s suppliers were seeing the benefits of working with Aito agents. “It’s taken a while for the penny to


drop with operators about the value of agents,” said Antrobus. “The vibe is very positive and


new panel members have brought incredible enthusiasm. The relationship between operators and agents is the best it’s ever been.” She attributed strengthening


relationships to a rise in networking events in recent years, including the three-night Famference, which was attended by 40 agents and operators.


It’s taken a while


for the penny to drop with operators about the value of agents [but] the vibe now is very positive


Aito’s second Midseason


Marketplace networking event is later this month, while the assocation now holds between eight and 10 regional dinners a year, each linking six or seven suppliers with agents in an area. In addition, more bespoke dinners


are being held this year. The dinners, which were launched in 2024, allow larger agencies to bring their staff for an exclusive dinner with operators. Aito will host a Summer Away


Day on June 27, which will include its


Famference attendees


general meeting, but will have a new format of afternoon activities and masterclasses, followed by a BBQ. The recent relaunch of the Aito


Agents’ Noticeboard – which allows agents to post questions and queries to the group via email – had also boosted relationships, said Antrobus. Aito executive director Martyn


Sumners said about 75-80 of Aito’s 100 operators work with agents, but only about 40 do so closely. He said: “We’d love it to be 100%


of members. But we’re seeing more applications from operators to join


FAMFERENCE FEEDBACK


because they want access to agents – that’s driving membership.” One operator at this year’s


Famference picked up three new sales leads from agents within two days, he said, highlighting the trip’s value. Meanwhile, Sumners said a


“few more” suppliers were set to join Aito in the next six months, as the association bids to increase its membership to 150 by 2027. Aito is also appealing for more


startups to join Aito Aspire, its new membership option for companies that have traded for less than two years.


Faye Anderson, business


development manager for the south, Cyplon Holidays “I find Famference so


beneficial because it’s not as big as a conference, so you get quality time with agents.”


Esther Brown, travel consultant,


Journeys A La Carte


“I would not have thought of Gibraltar for a client – but


it’s great for activities, to chill and for British history. I’m definitely coming back.”


Polly Davies, owner, Marco Polo Travel


“I’ve enjoyed learning about Gibraltar’s history – the last Neanderthal died here in a


cave. I’ve sold Gibraltar before but it had gone off my radar, so I’ll be promoting it.”


Hisham Mahmoud,


agency sales manager, Kirker Holidays


“At Famference you


get to immerse yourself in the destination and build relationships. It’s the best way to do it.”


Nicky Harris, founder,


The Dorset Travel Boutique “Famference has been a great way to connect with multiple suppliers and meet agents. It’s opened my eyes to Gibraltar, which you could sell as a twin centre with Spain or Morocco.”


10


19 JUNE 2025


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURES: Yvonne Kinder/Aito; Juliet Dennis


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