Cox & Kings has become the latest operator to join the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas).
The association was set up in April by the leading operators in the touring and adventure sector to raise awareness and drive sales through the trade.
It has a presence online and in print through the Travel Weekly portfolio, and will hold an overnight agent conference in the autumn.
Cox & Kings national account manager Greg Thurston said: “The formation of Atas could not have come at a better time for Cox & Kings. In the coming year we have big plans to increase awareness of our small group touring programme through the trade, with some very exciting developments to come.
“We believe that our tours are rather special and unique and, therefore, complement the current portfolio of touring options available through Atas members very well.”
He added: “By working together with the other members we hope that we can create as much excitement and interest in the touring sector as Clia has managed with cruising.
“Escorted touring sales are booming right now; with many clients enjoying the value, safety and simplicity that touring offers over independent travel. So, there has never been a better time for agents to switch on to the touring and adventure sector.”
The 24 members of Atas are AAT Kings; APT; Back-Roads Touring; Collette; Cosmos; Cox & Kings; Exodus; G Adventures; Great Rail Journeys; Headwater; Insight Vacations; Intrepid Group; Kuoni; Leger Holidays; Newmarket Holidays; Riviera Travel; Saga Holidays; Shearings Holidays; Tauck; Titan Tours; Trafalgar Tours; Travelsphere and Just You; Trek America and Wendy Wu Tours.