Aito moves 2026 Overseas Conference from Oman to Switzerland

Aito is to host this year’s Overseas Conference in Switzerland instead of Oman due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

 

The Specialist Travel Association, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, confirmed the lakeside town of Montreux as the new host for its 2026 conference.

 

The event will run from November 26-28, deliberately one day shorter than usual in a bid to help keep costs down for delegates.

 

The organisation had previously announced Muscat in Oman as its 2026 conference host destination. This has now been postponed until 2027.

 

Executive director Martyn Sumners said the decision to delay holding the overseas conference in Oman had been a mutual decision and gave a “more realistic timeframe”.

 

Currently the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against travel to Oman but urges British visitors to exercise “increased caution” following press reports of some “limited missile and drone activity”.

 

Sumners said: “While our commitment to Oman remains steadfast, we recognise that current fluctuations in regional travel sentiment might prevent us from achieving the record-breaking attendance such a world-class destination deserves.

 

“Aito and our Omani partners have mutually agreed that a 2027 window offers a more realistic timeline for our flagship event and moving it to next year allows for a longer lead-in period to curate bespoke, high-impact itineraries that showcase Oman’s rapidly expanding luxury and adventure sectors.

 

“We remain deeply committed to the destination and look forward to delivering the 2027 conference with a full, immersive experience that the Omani landscape and hospitality deserve.”

 

Sumners said the announcements would give delegates two conference destinations to look forward to.

 

Aito already has a strong partnership with Switzerland Tourism, with the Swiss mountain resort of Saas-Fee hosting the Aito Famference later this month.

 

It aims to attract the same number of delegates to the Montreux conference as previous years, between 120 to 150 people.

 

Sumners is also hopeful the conference will attract more travel agents, particularly as it offers the trade the chance to visit a “relatively unknown” destination with celebrity connections.

 

Both Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Hollywood actor Charlie Chaplin lived in the town, which will also have its Christmas market operating during the conference, and is near to several ski resorts.

 

Aito is working on a number of excursion opportunities in the area for delegates.

 

“Montreux is a brilliant short-break destination so this is a fantastic opportunity to visit; it’s a good fit for agents to sell and I would hope that would attract more agents to attend,” said Sumners.

 

Delegates will be able to fly to Geneva before taking a train for the 75 minute journey to Montreux or there will be an option to take a train from the UK.

 

Alex Herrmann, Switzerland Tourism UK & Ireland director and head of Europe West, said: “We are honoured that Aito has chosen Switzerland not just once, but twice, to host two of its major events during its 50th anniversary year.

 

“Participants at the Overseas Conference in Montreux Riviera, in the Vaud Region, can look forward to three unforgettable days combining inspiring meetings with the magic of the festive season.

 

“Between Lake Geneva, palm trees and mountains, Montreux Riviera offers a uniquely Swiss setting, enhanced by its famous Christmas market. Highlights will include scenic rail journeys on the GoldenPass train, an excursion to Glacier 3000 and a special gala dinner at a surprise venue.

 

“Together with our partners, we are looking forward to welcoming Aito to Switzerland.”