As ABTOI - the Association of British Travel Organizers to Italy - approaches its 25th anniversary next year, it remains focused on its founding mission, to strengthen UK-Italy tourism.
“We network, share ideas and exchange information”
ItaliAbsolutely spoke with executive committee member Enrico Soresini who explained that the association members are businesses offering travel to Italy, from agencies and tour operators to travel suppliers. “We are a collection of travel operators who network, share ideas and exchange information,” Soresini explains. One key service ABTOI provides is helping members navigate Italy’s complex regulatory landscape. “Every company has access to our associate member Kennedys Law,” says Soresini. “They have a specialist travel law department and can advise on regulations whenever necessary.”
Italy receives about 6% of the UK’s outbound travel market
Press updates and legal briefings are shared regularly, and this support has become even more vital in the post-Brexit environment. “Laws and regulations can be a challenge,- Soresini adds, - a good example is the introduction of DAC7, which has created additional compliance demands for some of our members.” Unlike a tourist board, ABTOI does not gather its own arrival statistics, but it draws on ENIT and WTTC data when needed. “Italy receives about six percent of the UK’s outbound travel market,- notes Soresini. -Demand is still strong post-pandemic and post-Brexit, and our members report lively discussions around how to adapt to changing consumer expectations.”
Overtourism and luxury travel are issues
Overtourism is one of the industry’s most pressing issues, but ABTOI has not adopted an official stance. “It’s an ongoing discussion within the trade,- says Soresini. -the Association does not have an official position on that yet.” Luxury travel is another area of debate. “Only a few of our members currently focus on the high-end market,- Soresini concedes, -but we’re discussing possible co-operation with other associations to better position Italy as a luxury destination.”
An annual summit between the UK and Italy
Training and networking remain an ABTOI commitment “We run sessions on legal, regulatory and business topics that matter to members,” says Soresini. “We also organize a couple of annual events and our summit, which alternates between the UK and Italy.” These gatherings have become vital for members seeking partnerships, fresh ideas and practical solutions. Looking ahead, ABTOI is preparing to celebrate its silver anniversary in 2026.
“Italy has universal appeal”
The association is run by an elected executive committee and today counts more than 60 members. “We are proud of what we’ve built over the past quarter century,- Soresini says. -The goal remains the same: to be the go-to network for UK operators selling Italy, to share knowledge, and to keep adapting to a changing market.” For Soresini, the UK’s love affair with Italy is enduring. “Italy has universal appeal. Our job is to help the British trade connect travellers with the right Italian experiences. That’s what ABTOI has done for 25 years - and that’s what we’ll keep on doing.”
