The Association of British Tour Operators to France is opening up its annual conference to non-members this year.
Development manager Patrick Daly said it is inviting non-members to attend the event in Marseille at the end of April in an attempt to showcase the work of the association and attract more operators to join.
He said once companies become part of ABTOF, they will enjoy a number of benefits including free legal and tax advice as well as accountancy information.
Daly said 247 delegates have already signed up to the conference, which makes it the largest one the association has ever held.
He added as consumers tighten their belts amid forecasts of a recession, ABTOF hopes France could benefit as a destination due to its proximity to the UK.
“France is easy to get to. If you’ve got a family, you can put everything in your car and head off.”
ABTOF chief executive Martyn Sumners agreed: “France is very diverse and offers a range of holiday options that many would simply not believe is possible just over the Channel.
“Forget the stereotypes, there is more to France than Paris and the Cote d’Azur.”
He said the range of activities is now being showcased on the association’s website franceyesyoucan.com which was relaunched with more content in January.