‘Green agenda not off the table’ despite Middle East conflict, says Antor chair

“The green agenda is not off the table,” despite the Middle East conflict, claimed Antor chair Manuel Butler as the organisation (the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives) marked its 75th year.

The anniversary celebrations included a trade reception held at the Spanish Ambassador’s Residence in central London (May 19), along with an expanded travel agent roadshow visiting more than 150 agents across Belfast (May 15), Manchester and Glasgow (both May 20). 

Frontline sellers from Travel Counsellors, Hays Travel, InteleTravel and Travelpack were among the agents attending the roadshow to receive destination training from a total of 20 of Antor’s tourist board members. 

Butler, who is also director of tourism at the Spanish Tourist Office, said: “We must strengthen our cooperation and renew our commitment to working together to build a tourism sector that is stronger, greener and more sustainable, for the prosperity of both people and the planet.”

He added that some of the biggest challenges facing the industry were “tourism phobia” resulting from overtourism, the climate change crisis and a need to reinforce tourism governance.

He said: “The world has been tested over the past few years by wars and conflicts, including the new one in the Middle East… This comes at a time when policy space has eroded and international cooperation is weaker. 

“Ending wars and conflicts and securing lasting peace around the world remains essential. Strengthening the bridges that allow people to meet, listen and learn across cultures is essential.

“Travel and tourism is a key driver for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures.”

Spain received nearly 100 million visitors in 2025, of which 19 million were from the UK. The Spanish Tourist Office will continue to hold the tenure of Antor chair until May 2027.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive, Airlines UK, said closer ties between destinations and the airline sector were “critically important”. 

He said: “I couldn’t agree more on net zero and ensuring that the sector demonstrates its commitment to removing emissions if it’s going to grow in the way that we want to. We need to make sure we continue that journey and we don’t renege on those commitments.

“The marketing power of destinations… is really critical, in particular working to demonstrate responsible tourism.”

Antor was formed in 1951 and now has 50 tourist office members. The anniversary celebrations will continue this year, concluding with its 10th Antor Annual Conference in December. 

Chris Rowles, chair of Aito, the Specialist Travel Association, also praised ties between tourist organisations and both the mainstream and specialist travel sectors.

He said: “Without Antor and its members and the support that you give to all other sectors of our great industry, the creation and provision of those [holiday] dreams and the benefits they provide to us, our customers and for local people in resort would be so much more difficult to achieve.”