AITO Agents pursue innovation at forthcoming Prague conference

This year’s AITO Agents’ overseas conference is taking place in the Czech Republic’s beautiful capital, Prague, from 12 – 15 June, 2014

The business sessions will take place in the stunning historic Strahov Monastery, with guests staying next door in the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle. Conference activities for delegates will also take place in the picturesque city of Pilsen, voted the European Capital of Culture for 2015, and birthplace of the famous beer, Pilsner Urquell.

AITO Agents overseas conference – focus

The focus for this year’s business sessions will be the importance of innovation, considered under three headings:

The importance of innovation externally:

Helping delegates to think ‘outside the box’ to find creative solutions to overcome challenges in the industry. Delegates will discuss how to change with the times and will learn innovative ways to offer the best possible experience for their clients.

The importance of innovation internally:

Delegates will debate new ideas for positive change internally, including how to achieve the most successful day-to-day running of a business and the importance of motivating their teams.

Innovation and the ‘full service experience’:

How ‘full’ is your ‘full service’?  Delegates will explore ways to expand and improve their service offering, to ensure they are one step ahead of the competition and are maximising every opportunity to create long-term client relationships.

Key Announcements at the conference

• The AITO Agents’ Panel is developing a long-term strategic review, the results of which will be announced at the conference.

• AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, Oliver Broad, is stepping down from the role this autumn following his successful four-year tenure and his successor will be announced.

Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, Oliver Broad, says:  “I am firmly of the opinion that these conferences provide participants with the inspiration, destination knowledge and business advice to maintain their position as the leading players in the market.”

“I am very much looking forward to the next six months, which will see us develop new ideas and welcome a new Chairman in order to build upon what we have achieved over the past few years.”

“Prague and the Czech Republic are currently experiencing fantastic growth and there has never been a better time to develop expert knowledge of the region. Here, we are offering two cities for the price of one – Prague and Pilsen – maximising members’ time out of the office, which is an excellent extra inducement for all member agents to join the conference.”

“AITO Agents are some of the most interesting and dynamic people in the business. In Prague, we’ll discuss how best to build on the significant success of the last three years, and it will be the perfect opportunity for networking and discussions between all agent members, their AITO tour operator counterparts and AITO Affiliates.  I urge everyone to make sure that they are part of what will be a fascinating and dynamic conference.”

Katarina Hobbs of CzechTourism (Director of UK & Ireland) says: “CzechTourism is very excited and proud to be hosting the AITO Agents’ conference. AITO Agents and AITO operators have very special clients and we have an equally special destination, so it’s a wonderful partnership.”

AITO Agents’ flight allocation with British Airways and Jet2 closes on 31 March, so speed is of the essence to enjoy privileged seat rates.

Bookings will continue to be taken on a land-only basis after 31 March; conference packages start from only £315 pp.

Post conference extensions

CzechTourism is offering post-conference extensions to delegates who would like to explore the region further. There are three options available – South Bohemia, South Morovia and Mariánské Lázně. Each trip runs over two days/two nights, and will run immediately after the conference.  Costs are £80 pp, including all transport, activities, accommodation and meals.  Each tour requires a minimum of three people to run.

For further information about Prague, visit http://www.praguewelcome.cz/en/.

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (www.aitoagents.com) represents 120 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

Ends – 25 March 2014

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Sue Ockwell or Rebecca Milne on 020 8891 4440 or email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or r.milne@travelpr.co.uk.