The Association of Independent Travel Operators Specialist Travel Agents is launching a nationwide hunt to find its very own Mastermind.
Chairman Barry Moxley said any agent who is a member of the organisation will be able to enter the Mastermind-style competition. It will begin with regional rounds and the winner will be crowned by the end of the year.
Announcing the competition at the AITO STA conference in Warwick over the weekend, Moxley added the contest would follow the format of the BBC competition with agents expected to answer travel questions both in their chosen specialist sector as well as in general rounds.
He said: “Our staff are our business; we’ve got very knowledgeable staff in the AITO agents and this is not only a bit of fun but a way for them to demonstrate it.
“Not only are we going to find the best and most knowledgeable agent in the country but we think it’ll generate some significant publicity in the consumer press.”
Moxley added the competition is just one of a number of new initiatives planned for AITO agents this year. The association is holding its first nationwide roadshow for both agents and consumers this spring and autumn, with each event split into two.
The first half of each visit to a different city will consist of agent training before the roadshows then open their doors to the general public, giving those attending the opportunity to meet consumers.
Although the exact timetable is yet to be agreed, Moxley added it would also have to fit in with the second annual AITO week following the success of the first one in October last year.
Last year’s event saw 30 AITO agents and 20 tour operator members work closely together in order to drive sales of AITO product through its agents. Moxley credits last year’s event in generating £100,000 worth of additional enquiries through his own Traveltime agency, around half of which were then converted into sales.
He said: “It did work and those agents who got involved saw a benefit in their bookings.”
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