BOOK NOW FOR AGTO 2017 SHOWCASE WEEKEND 

The AGTO Showcase Weekend will be held at the Park Royal Hotel, Warrington, 15-17 September 2017. It will bring together some 200 of AGTO’s group organiser and associate members from all over the UK and abroad to network and contribute to a weekend offering a programme of business and social events.

For Itinerary click here

To book click here

NEW AGTO SCOTLAND BRANCH

In line with its strategy to expand its network of branches around the UK, the formation of an AGTO Scotland Branch was announced at the Association's AGM held at The Excursions Show in London. AGTO's Chief Executive, Mike Bugsgang said: "We are extremely excited about this development that has been made possible by the efforts of AGTO member David Urquhart Travel. Scotland offers a huge variety of destinations and accommodation for group organisers' itineraries and the establishment of an AGTO Branch in the country will provide a forum for networking between GTOs and suppliers to work more closely together."

EVENTS DIARY AND TRADE SHOWS 2017

AGTO attends all the major trade shows during the year. It also exhibits at many of the regional trade events.  For the latest Events Diary listing, click here

RECENT ARTICLES APPEARING IN THE PRESS

The new look Great for Groups magazine feature an AGTO column click here

See AGTO's update in the latest edition of Group Travel World by clicking here

MEMBERS NEWS

AGM AT EXCURSIONS 2017

The recent AGM was well attended by GTO and Associate members. The Board of Directors and CEO are pictured at the event.

AMBASSADOR SCHEME SUCCESS

Launched towards the end of 2016, the Ambassador recruitment campaign provided GTO members with a special badge to identify them as an AGTO representative at trade shows and other events. The scheme has enabled them to engage with prospective new organiser members and discuss the benefits of joining AGTO. Initial results have been very encouraging. Pictured is Maura Houlihan (left) one of the first GTOs recruited by AGTO Ambassador Lynda Wright of Eastern Branch.

AGTO Joins The Tourism Alliance

AGTO has become a member of The Tourism Alliance. The Tourism Alliance comprises leading trade associations/trade bodies within the tourism industry. The purpose of the Tourism Alliance is to identify and develop policies and strategies to raise standards and promote quality within the industry and work with and lobby government on all key issues relevant to the growth and development of tourism and its contribution to the economy. Mike Bugsgang, Chief Executive of AGTO said: “The Tourism Alliance plays a vital role in lobbying government on key strategic issues facing the tourism industry. It is therefore important that AGTO is engaged with this work to enable us to keep our members updated on the various aspects of legislation affecting the group travel sector.”

Pictured are Mike Bugsgang (left) and Kurt Janson, Director of The Tourism Alliance.

AGTO is looking to recruit new group organiser members with a campaign that will include the introduction of an Ambassador scheme and additional member benefits. The Ambassador scheme will see the Association’s existing 400 GTO members wear a specially designed badge to identify them as an AGTO representative at trade shows and other events. This will enable them to engage with prospective new organiser members and talk to them about the benefits of joining AGTO. A series of briefing sessions and an incentive scheme will operate to assist existing members to undertake this work.