Atas announces exclusive fam trip with Contiki

The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) has partnered with youth travel specialist Contiki to offer 20 young agents the chance to join an exclusive South Africa fam trip.

 

The opportunity to join the eight-day itinerary was announced today (September 17) during the Atas annual conference.

 

Claire Brighton, Atas director, revealed the news to delegates at Newport’s ICC Wales.

 

“This is an incredibly exciting announcement to make,” she said.

 

“Here at Atas, we have been championing apprenticeships for the past two years – we have been inviting them to attend our events and setting places aside on Atas Experiences for them.

 

“We have also partnered with AS Training, which has had speakers at several of our events, and we have taken on our very own apprentice, Evie Sutherland.

 

“We believe in helping the next generation in travel to develop and fall in love with the industry.”

 

She also noted how the Atas conference includes a session about youth travel to help agents to maximise the opportunities in this sector.

 

“This fam trip will help shine a spotlight on youth travel and promote it all our Atas agents, whatever age they are – and the agents on the fam trip will champion the sector and help create a real buzz,” she said.

 

Atas has partnered with Atas member Contiki – part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) portfolio of brands – to offer the fam trip opportunity to those aged 18 to 25.

 

Half the places will be allocated to AS Training apprentices, while other apprentices and new-to-travel agents can apply for one of the other 10 spots.

 

The fam trip, called ‘Addo Safari & Coastal Adventure South Africa’, departs on November 29 and includes flights and all meals.

 

Agents will be able to apply for a place by sending in a video to say why they deserve a spot.

 

Applications are now open and close on October 13, with winners being announced by October 20. 

 

Kelly Walker, TTC Tour Brands’ UK Europe & Ireland sales director, said: “At Contiki, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of travel professionals and helping them experience the excitement of touring and adventure first-hand.

 

“This fam trip is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible benefits of group travel and the life-changing experiences we create for young travellers.

 

“By nurturing new talent early in their careers, we’re not only supporting the future of our industry, but also building advocates who can share their passion for travel with their peers and future clients.”

 

Michelle Van Sprang, AS Training managing director, said: “We are hugely grateful to Atas for their continued support and recognition of the next generation of travel professionals.

 

“Opportunities like the Contiki/Atas fam trip provide our apprentices with an incredible experience that not only develops their knowledge of the sector, but also gives them first-hand insight, confidence and valuable skills in a fast-growing market.

 

“Apprentices today are our top sellers of tomorrow, and by investing in staff from the very beginning, the whole industry will reap the rewards. It’s fantastic to see Atas and Contiki championing young talent in this way.”

 

Click here for details about how to apply.

 

• Another Atas member, Not in The Guidebooks, also announced an exclusive fam trip during the Atas conference.

The specialist is offering agents at the event the opportunity to earn a spot on a fam trip to Sri Lanka, with the chance to spot wildlife and stay in retreats with “charm and character”.