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More than a 100 leading Tour Operators from U.K. took part in the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) annual conference in Kochi on November 20th and 21st. Held at Taj Gateway, the conference had a mix of business, educational and social themes dealing with issues facing the travel and tourism industry. AITO represents some of U.K.'s best specialist tour operators and it is the first time that the conference is held in India.
Regarding the destination for the conference, this is what Mr. Derek Moore, Chairman, AITO had to say: "We decided to go somewhere exotic and different, somewhere exciting, and in a place AITO has not been before. And that is why we are in Cochin. With the help of our friends at Kerala Tourism and the renowned hospitality of the State, I am sure this will be a conference to remember and a perfect antidote to a difficult year for all of us."
Addressing the participants of the AITO conference, the Minister for Tourism, Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, expressed happiness at having Kochi as the venue for the conference and owed its reason to the increasing popularity of Kerala as a destination for a wide range of hospitality related services.
"I am delighted to welcome all the delegates to Cochin," said Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism. "Arrangements for the conference have been excellent and it is heartening to know that all delegates had a meaningful and enjoyable time in Kerala."
"The AITO conference held in Kochi would serve for promoting Kerala in U.K. in the near future. U.K.'s share is about 25% when it comes to markets for Kerala Tourism, which contributed over 1,40,000 tourists in 2008," observed Mr. M. Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism.
As part of the conference a 'Meet Kerala Trade Partners' programme was organized, which helped tour operators and hoteliers from Kerala to meet AITO delegates and explore business opportunities. And to enhance networking opportunities, the conference also had on its sidelines dining at restaurants in Fort Kochi, friendly cricket game between AITO delegates and tour operators from Kochi, cultural evenings and post conference tours.
AITO comprises independent companies, most of them owner-managed, specialising in particular destinations or types of holidays. An organization that aims at providing the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on choice, quality and service, AITO is the first tourism industry association to incorporate into its business charter a commitment to Responsible Travel and Green Tourism.
