The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) has announced Leeds as the location for its next annual conference.
Claire Brighton, Atas director, revealed the news during the association’s first overseas event, in Lake Como.
Brighton said more details would be revealed soon about the conference, which will be held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on October 15-16.
The Experiences event hosted 70 delegates, including 50 agents, who took part in activities to showcase the range of tours available.
They included boat trips, a cycle tour on e-bikes, a walk and wine excursion, a pasta-making experience and a visit to Villa del Balbianello, which has been featured in Star Wars and James Bond films.
A workshop after the activities enabled delegates to share their experiences and suppliers also hosted networking events and dine-arounds.
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“We have busted lots of myths about escorted touring with these activities, showing how much there is to do. Touring is not just for older clients – agents can introduce tours to new audiences,” said Brighton.
Flavio Zappacosta, head of UK & Ireland at the Italian National Tourist Board, told agents during the welcome reception: “Last year was very busy, with the Ryder Cup in Rome and new routes.
“This year is shaping up to be even better – we have never been so well connected. We want to promote responsible and sustainable tourism and encourage people to explore hidden gems and come in the shoulder seasons.”
Brighton also highlighted how April will be touring and adventure month, with training modules and ‘top tips’ videos from suppliers.
The latest Atas data project figures will be released on April 16, revealing trends from the first quarter of 2024.
Atas will host a webinar on Earth Day (April 22) with Dr Susanne Etti, global environmental impact manager from Intrepid Travel, and there will be an Atas networking event in Chester with 15 suppliers (April 30).
Atas will run its long-haul campaign in September, which is a key time for booking long-haul tours.
• Agents on the Como excursions shared their experiences during the workshop and hailed the activities for inspiring them to suggest new tour ideas to clients.
Commenting the Cosmos trip, Rachel Wilcox (Travel Counsellors), said it included a boat trip, walking tour and pasta making.
“It was three experiences in one. I would recommend it,” she said.
Simon Oram (The Travel Shop) said the guide on Riviera Travel’s experience to Villa del Balbianello was “phenomenal” as she shared so much interesting information.
Kate Halden (Transcend Travel) joined the 15-mile e-bike tour with G Adventures.
“I would not have done a bike tour but I would now do one with an electric bike.”
Gemma Standish (Not Just Travel) highlighted how the agents on Newmarket Holidays’ walk-and-wine tour learned about the region’s history and met several local residents.
• Walk-and-wine tour with Newmarket Holidays:
Paula Mottram, Designer Travel: “My clients would love this; there are activities to suit everyone. People are asking for more walking and active holidays since Covid.”
Vicky Hall, Gates Travel: “I loved meeting the local people. I’ve never been to Italy – my colleague said I would fall in love with the country and I have.”
Darren Phillips, Newmarket Holidays: “Clients don’t want bucket-and-spade holidays, they want bucket-list experiences…seeing the lake’s scenery and diverse activities.”
Picture of Claire Brighton at Atas Experiences event in Lake Como by Sarah Lucy Brown.