ASPIRE is targeting 500 delegates at its fourth conference for travel newcomers, with hopes more multiples will attend because it is being held at a major trade event.
For the first time the conference is being run at the annual Spanish Tourism Exchange for Professionals in London.
This year 450 attended the event in Bognor Regis, but Institute of Travel and Tourism organisers were left disappointed after Thomas Cook decided not to send a delegation en masse.
ITT chairman Steven Freudmann is banking on interest generated by STEPs to boost 2007 numbers and the fact Thomas Cook and First Choice have signed up as corporate sponsors.
He said: “Because of the link up with STEPs the large companies will find Aspire more relevant as they will be able to get product knowledge as well. We expect a delegation from Thomas Cook and First Choice and hope others will attend too.”
Speakers at Aspire 2007, at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on March 28-29, are Advantage managing director John McEwan, Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick, Travel Counsellors chairman David Speakman, London 2012 commercial director Phil Beard, Travel Foundation director Sue Hurdle, AA Training (part of AA Appointments) managing director Debbie Dale, Carnival UK director Peter Shanks, Club 18-30 chief executive Paul Little, Spanish Tourist Board director Ignacio Vasallo and Travel Weekly editor Richard Siddle.
Travel Weekly is the media partner. Independent travel editor and Travel Weekly columnist Simon Calder will act as moderator.
For more details contact ITT Events on 0870 770 7960 or visit www.itt.co.uk
- Travel Weekly will give regular updates on what to expect from Aspire 2007.