CloseUK Travel Trade Association Marks Milestone with London Reception and Nationwide Roadshow
The Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR), the second oldest travel trade association in the UK after ABTA, has celebrated its 75th anniversary with a prestigious reception at the Spanish Ambassador’s Residence in London and a nationwide travel trade roadshow connecting destinations with the UK travel industry.
Hosted by Her Excellency Emma Aparici and Manuel Butler, Chair of ANTOR and Director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK, the anniversary event welcomed more than 100 members, partners and senior travel industry leaders to celebrate ANTOR’s longstanding role in promoting sustainable tourism, destination collaboration and responsible travel since its founding in 1951.
ANTOR Roadshow Connects Global Destinations with UK Travel Agents
As part of the anniversary celebrations, ANTOR hosted its 75th Anniversary Travel Trade Roadshow across Belfast, London, Manchester and Glasgow. The multi-city event enabled member destinations to connect directly with more than 120 travel agents, homeworkers and tour operator sales teams in each city, strengthening relationships across the UK travel trade sector.
Founded by just 10 national tourist offices, ANTOR now represents 50 destinations worldwide and remains the only official association representing overseas tourist boards in the UK market. New members joining in 2026 include St Helena, Gothenburg, Malawi and South Africa.
The organisation continues to champion safe, ethical, sustainable and inspirational tourism while providing destinations with a unified platform to engage with the UK travel trade, media and tourism stakeholders.
ANTOR Chair Highlights Importance of Collaboration in Global Tourism
ANTOR Chair, Spain’s Director of Tourism Manuel Butler said:
“For 75 years, ANTOR has brought destinations together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and champion tourism as a force for good. In a fast-changing travel environment, having a strong collective voice has never been more valuable. ANTOR gives destinations a platform to connect with the UK travel trade and media, gain market insight, share best practice and raise their profile within the industry.”
He added:
“Destinations across the world are facing many of the same opportunities and challenges, from sustainability and technology to shifting traveller expectations. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can help shape a stronger and more responsible future for tourism and continue showcasing the positive impact travel can have.”
ANTOR Membership Supports Tourism Boards and Destination Marketing
Available exclusively to UK destination representatives, ANTOR membership provides access to:
- Travel trade networking events
- UK-wide tourism roadshows
- Media workshops and industry training
- Consumer travel trend research
- Tourism market intelligence
- Government and aviation updates
- Collaborative destination marketing opportunities
- Annual awards and industry recognition events
ANTOR also continues to expand its digital footprint through its website and growing social media community across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X, positioning the organisation as a central hub for destination information, travel trade news and tourism media resources.
ANTOR History: 75 Years Supporting International Tourism
When ANTOR was founded in 1951, Maurice Vignon, Director of Tourism for France in the UK, became its first Chair. Founding members included representatives from Switzerland, Norway, Austria, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Bahamas, India and New Zealand. By 1959, ANTOR membership had expanded to 41 destinations, including most European countries as well as Canada and Australia.
Many of these founding destinations remain active ANTOR members today, demonstrating the enduring importance of international tourism collaboration and destination representation within the UK travel market.
Travel Industry Leaders Praise ANTOR’s Contribution to Tourism
Following the Chair’s address, Chris Rowles, Chair of AITO, praised the strong relationship between tourist organisations and both mainstream and specialist travel sectors.
He commented:
“Without ANTOR and its members and the support that you give to all other sectors of our great industry, the creation and provision of those holiday dreams and the benefits they provide to us, our customers and for local people in resort would be so much more difficult to achieve.”
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, also recognised ANTOR’s significant achievement in reaching 75 years as a not-for-profit organisation.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between destinations and the aviation sector, particularly during industry challenges including APD lobbying, Covid-19 recovery and the evolving operating environment. Alderslade also emphasised the tourism industry’s commitment to net zero targets and responsible tourism initiatives, alongside the important role destinations play in promoting sustainable travel through platforms such as World Travel Market.
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