TV presenter Patrick Aryee, marine biologist Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, and TTG Luxury editor April Hutchinson have been announced on the line-up for the industry’s first Wildlife, Safari and Conservation Summit in October.
The one-day event takes place in Harrogate on 11 October, immediately before the consumer-facing Wildlife and Safari Show from 12-13October.
The summit, in partnership with South African Airways, will provide practical tips for travel agents and tour operators to help them find and connect better with clients interested in wildlife travel, and also discuss the role travel agents and tour operators should play in conservation and helping consumers make responsible holiday choices.
During the morning, agents will either join in round-table discussions to explore topics such as animal welfare in tourism, travelling without plastic, conservation and tourism, and digital marketing, or attend a marketplace with around 20 exhibitors.
Conference sessions in the afternoon will see TV presenter and film maker Patrick Aryee share tips on making your own wildlife-encounter videos on a shoestring; TTG Luxury editor April Hutchinson will quiz travel firms on the use of non-traditional marketing channels to win new customers; and The Blowfish will inspire delegates on marine conservation in his unique heavy-metal approach.
Debbee Dale, director of event organiser Converge Exhibitions, said: “Awareness of conservation and the environment is getting ever stronger, with consumers really considering their operator and agent when considering their holiday experience.
“As our consumer show is fully focused on selling wildlife, safari and conservation travel, we wanted to give the trade its own day to garner more information, make stronger relationships and gain more insight to help them sell more holidays.”
Tickets for the summit (9.30am-5.30pm) cost £125pp and are available from wscsummit.com.
TTG’s travel agent readers are being offered an exclusive discounted rate of £50 (limited availability, to be booked by 18 September) – enter code TTG when buying a ticket online.
For a full agenda and more information, see wscsummit.com/delegates.