Conference Call

First of all, call by at the Skills Zone on stand GV0200 on Wednesday and Thursday to register your interest in the Accredited Travel Professional scheme, officially being launched next year.

Developed by ABTA, the Institute of Travel and Tourism and People 1st, the ATP scheme will recognise individuals who have achieved high levels of customer service, product knowledge and skills. There’s also a drop-in session on Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm, and Thursday from 3.30pm to 5pm at City Side Room 8, near the stand.

Next, catch up with the Kenya Tourist Board at stand AF3600. In March 2005 it launched an online training programme for agents, which has already been completed by 700 staff. Of these, 250 have opted to receive regular updates about the country and its products. If you haven’t signed up already, now’s your chance.

Afterwards, make a quick stop-off at stand NA220 to book an in-house training session for 2006 with Capital Region USA. Now with more than 40 flights a week from London to Washington, Capital Region USA will be promoting the diversity of experience across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Focus will be on the great outdoors of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the revival of Washington, DC.

Come back closer to home to stand UKI3600, where you can speak to Jersey Tourism officials about its popular and innovative agent online training scheme. This year, Jersey Tourism took the decision to recommend Jersey experts to consumers enquiring through its website jersey.com, encouraging holidaymakers to book through an agency which has a Jersey expert ‘on board’. Don’t miss out on this potential business.

Okay, you’ll have worked hard today so it’s time to treat yourself to a glass of wine with Guernsey tourism representatives at UKI2000 and you might even win an authentic Guernsey sweater. Guernsey and her sister islands Sark, Herm and Alderney will be presenting the ‘close to home’ island-hopping experience on Monday at 3pm, and will be launching a new DVD for trade.

Fancy another glass? Head for happy hour at the Tourism Australia stand AS1300 (4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), and try your luck at the Taste Australia competition. If you sign up here for Tourism Australia’s online training scheme, Aussie Specialist, and complete it before December 19, you will be entered in to a draw to win a hamper of Australian treats, a stash of Tim Tam biscuits, bottles of Australian wine or an Australian cookbook.

The offer also applies to agents who are already signed up – as long as they qualify before Christmas. Aussie Specialists get access to training workshops, fam trips, merchandise for their shops and invitations to concerts and film screenings.