AITO Announces Monty Halls as a Keynote Speaker

My Family and the Galapagos TV star to give talk in Ras Al Khaimah

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO, www.aito.com) has announced a very special guest to appear as a keynote speaker at its conference (22 – 25 November) in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Monty Halls, the British conservationist, marine biologist and presenter of Channel 4’s My Family and the Galapagos, will give a talk to AITO delegates on his extraordinary family travel adventures, conservation and environmental issues and immersive travel experiences.

Monty, who is President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, will be appearing at the conference with his family; wife, Tamsyn (also a keen conservationist) and their daughters Isla, six, and Molly, four. The family uprooted to the Galapagos for three months and uncovered the strains put on this archipelago of volcanic Ecuadorian islands, where tourism and environmental changes are endangering not only the region’s ecosystem, with flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, but also its people.

His talk will offer delegates an insight into sustainable tourism in action and will take them through his tales of how the family managed their new life on the Galapagos, and the challenges they faced.

AITO Chairman, Derek Moore, says: “We are thrilled to have Monty and his family come and speak at the conference this year. Our delegates will have a unique chance to hear about the real-life immersive experience of an entire family unit – an experience that is both thrilling and worthwhile. Our members are in for a treat, with a keynote talk that is sure to stay in their minds long after.”

Speaker, Monty Halls, says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be the guest of AITO at its annual conference. Responsible travel is key, not only for the people involved – both the tourists and the local communities – but also for the long-term health of the environments in which we visit. I feel it’s such an important time in the travel industry, and organisations like AITO have a huge responsibility in upholding standards. I thoroughly look forward to visiting the conference, meeting some of the best operators in the business, and of course exploring Ras Al Khaimah with my family.”

AITO’s overseas conference aims to bring inspiring speakers to delegates and to spark important conversations amongst travel industry specialists about current issues and opportunities.

Between the talks and business sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to experience the very best of Ras Al Khaimah, including the opportunity to fly the longest zipline in the world (2.83 km in length), to go kayaking on the inland waterways, to try dune bashing in the desert, to spot wildlife at the Al Wadi Nature Reserve or simply soak up the sights of the old town.

My Family and the Galapagos first aired on Saturday 28 July at 8pm on Channel 4 and runs weekly until 11 August 2018.

All AITO members are fully bonded, comply with AITO’s Quality Charter and aim to offer the best possible customer service.

For more information on AITO or AITO Specialist Travel Agents, or for high-res photos, please contact Sue Ockwell or Jackie Franklin on 020 8891 4440 or email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or j.franklin@travelpr.co.uk.

Follow Monty Halls
Twitter: @MontyHalls
Facebook: @TheOfficialMontyHalls
Instagram: @MontyHallsFamily

Follow Seadog Productions, the independent TV production company founded by Monty Halls
Twitter: @SeadogProds
Facebook: @SeadogProductions
Instagram: @SeadogProds

About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit us at:

• www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com
• www.facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah
• www.youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah
• ​https://twitter.com/raktourism

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Follow Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority on twitter: @RAKTourism