Explorer and former rail minister to speak at Aito conference

Famous explorer Benedict Allen and former rail minister Huw Merriman are among the speakers lined up for the annual overseas conference of Aito, The Specialist Travel Association.

The event will take place in Valladolid, Spain, from November 21-24, with the theme of ‘Evolve & Thrive’.

The former Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle, Merriman (main picture) is also the former chair of the transport select committee.

As transport select committee chair, he held inquiries and led calls from Parliament for the government to ease restrictions on international travel and give more financial support to the travel industry during the pandemic.

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Allen (pictured below) is famous for his expeditions through rainforest, deserts and Arctic regions; 11 books; and TV series for the BBC, Nat Geo, Channel 5 and The History Channel.

Key industry speakers at the conference will include Martin Alcock, owner and director of Travel Trade Consultancy (TTC); Debbie O’Neill, managing director of Jules Verne; and Heather McKinlay and Robert Kidd, founders of tailor-made specialist McKinlay Kidd.

Martyn Sumners, Aito executive director, said: “We are delighted to be visiting the historic city of Valladolid – a former capital of Spain – and its many historic treasures alongside its fine wine and culinary traditions, and experiencing all that the city has to offer, while also delivering a diverse and engaging conference programme under the theme Evolve & Thrive.

“We’re proud to welcome so many great speakers, and look forward to debating and discussing the key challenges affecting SME travel business in the UK.

“The Spanish Tourism Board has, as always, been extremely supportive in its organisation of this important annual event in Aito’s calendar.”

Pictured: Benedict Allen and Huw Merriman