Leaders of Advantage insist the consortium’s move to hold a joint leisure and business conference next year will not compromise the interests of either group.

Chief executive John McEwan said: “About half our members are dual agents. There has been a strong lobby for an integrated conference.”

Sales and marketing director Colin O’Neill said the format will include plenary sessions, with separate break-out sessions and workshops.

O’Neill believes the change may encourage some leisure agents to take up business travel. The conference will be in Sitges, Spain, on September 26-28 2008.