Bournemouth sees return of AGTO Showcase

The AGTO Showcase was last staged prior to the Covid-19 pandemic but now returns and provides an opportunity for group travel organisers and industry suppliers to meet in a social setting.

It will be held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth and is open to all AGTO GTO and Associate (supplier) members.

The three days will include social and business activities as well as a selection of familiarisation trips designed to offer ideas and inspiration for group trips and holidays to the local area.

The programme includes visits to The Tank Museum at Bovington, the RNLI College and Scaplen’s Court in Poole, Shire Hall Court Museum in Dorchester, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth and Highcliffe Castle.

Plus, there is an opportunity to take a cruise around Poole Harbour and see behind-the-scenes at Poole Museum as it nears the final stages of its redevelopment. The programme also includes a supplier showcase mini exhibition and a gala dinner.

Commenting on the return of the Showcase, AGTO chief executive, Wendy Hartley-Scarff said: “Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic our annual Showcase event attracted GTOs and Associates from across the country. Since the pandemic, with GTOs and Associates focusing on getting their groups and businesses back on track, the Showcase has taken something of a back seat. But now, this major event in the AGTO and group travel calendar is back.

“Thanks to our Associate member, the Marsham Court Hotel, and with support from Visit Dorset and suppliers in the area, we’ve put together a superb three days of activities, all designed to give GTOs ideas and inspiration for 2025. The Showcase, with its Gala Dinner and supplier showcase, provides the opportunity to bring GTOs together from across the country, with an opportunity to renew long-standing friendships and make new ones.”