Spain’s former capital Valladolid has been revealed as the destination for this year’s Aito overseas conference.
The Specialist Travel Association (Aito) announced the location at its AGM in London on April 18. The conference takes place from November 21-24, at the Felipe IV hotel.
Aito executive director Martyn Sumners hailed Valladolid, which was the capital of Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries before Madrid, as the ‘perfect’ Aito conference destination as it is less well known in the British market.
“I think it’s going to be a very exciting destination for Aito to go to,” he said, adding: “There will be so many things for people to do: walking, cycling, wine tasting.”
He cited the city’s historic centre as having “great food and great squares”, and noted the “incredible” choice of tapas dishes and wine from the region.
Manuel Butler, UK director of the Spanish Tourist Office, said the city was off the traditional tourist trail.
He said: “We will be very honoured to welcome Aito there. It is not a tourist city. Here you will find real people and the real Spain.”
Aito will offer flights to the conference via Madrid, from where delegates can take a modern high-speed train, which takes around an hour to reach the city. Aito is also looking at options to travel to Valladolid by train from the UK.
The conference hotel, where business sessions will be held and delegates will also stay, is walking distance from the railway station in Valladolid.
Picture of Valladolid by Jose Luis Vega/Shutterstock