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Comment: Embrace the touring sector

When we launched the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers in April, I likened what we hoped to achieve to the spectacular growth seen in the cruise sector over the last decade.

So how fantastic it is to see one of our industry’s superstar cruise retailers embracing the sector by launching a specialist tours and adventure division, working purely with Atas members. Knowing Phil Nuttall as I do, I’m sure he and his team at The Travel Village will make a great success of their new venture, winning many clients with their enthusiasm and professionalism.

Since launch, we’ve been inundated with interest in Atas from companies keen to get involved, so look out for more news in the coming weeks. As Phil says, this is clearly a sector with great potential.

Many commentators on the travel sector and on the impact of the millennial generation put this down to a growing appetite for authentic experiences and lifelong memories.

I think this analysis is spot on.

But it’s not just millennials yearning for more than a fly-and-flop beach break. Silver travellers, couples and families are all looking for experiential trips – something my colleague Lee Hayhurst would attest to having just returned from his first family touring holiday in Vietnam.

That’s why we’ve decided to better represent this exciting sector at the industry’s biggest awards night, The Globes, with a new dedicated award.

Nominations open today as we start the countdown to next January’s spectacular black‑tie event in London.

As ever it will be you, our readers, who will determine which of your suppliers walk away with the legendary golden statuettes.

Comment from Travel Weekly, September 7 edition

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