Celebrating 25 years, Tipto continues to support independent tour operators and travel agents, marking its anniversary with a special Chairman’s Lunch attended by former and current leaders.
- The Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation (Tipto) hosted over 50 past and present members for its 25th anniversary at The Ivy in London.
- Richard Forde, the current chairman who announced his departure, highlighted the organisation’s growth, noting 2,000 agents attended roadshows this year, with a significant number being new participants.
- Former chairs reminisced about the organisation’s history, while acknowledging changes and the successful abolishment of ‘black-balling’ practices.
- Tipto’s roadshows remain a vital resource for independent agents, offering networking opportunities and industry insights, crucial for market competitiveness.
In a celebration of its 25-year legacy, the Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation (Tipto) convened a gathering of its former and current members at a special Chairman’s Lunch at The Ivy, a notable event attended by over 50 individuals who have shaped the organisation’s history. This anniversary marked a celebration of collaboration between independent tour operators and travel agents, an alliance that has been central to Tipto’s enduring success.
Richard Forde, who has served as chairman since 2022, announced his impending departure but underscored the organisation’s vibrancy and success. Under his leadership, Tipto reached its maximum capacity of 25 supplier members and engaged with 2,000 agents through its roadshows, attracting 58% new attendees this year. Such figures reflect the organisation’s continued relevance and appeal within the industry.
Significantly, the event highlighted past accomplishments while acknowledging the evolution within the organisation. Former chairs recounted their experiences, with some noting the cessation of ‘black-balling’, a practice that allowed existing members to block rivals from joining, marking a notable shift towards inclusivity and cooperation within Tipto’s framework.
Jane Atkins, who chaired Tipto from 2016 to 2019, emphasised the organisation’s continuous importance in providing agents with critical knowledge about independent products—knowledge which is invaluable for agents competing against online businesses and direct sellers.
The roadshows, a staple of Tipto’s educational and networking initiatives, continue to serve as a significant platform for agents, particularly homeworkers, to gain insights into market trends and products. Former chair Colin Wilson highlighted the influential role Tipto played in his career, as he leveraged its platform for greater market reach from his position at Bourne Leisure.
Emotional reflections were shared by many, including Zena Hill, whose tenure from 2012 to 2016 was marked by fostering both professional and personal bonds amongst members. The event not only recalled the camaraderie fostered over the years but also reiterated the strategic role Tipto plays in market positioning for agents and operators alike.
Tipto was initially conceived during a challenging period for independent agents, facing increased pressure from vertically-integrated companies and industry changes in the 1990s, as recounted by Jane Dyson, founder of The Network. Its two-tier membership structure initially funded its roadshows, highlighting its pragmatic approach to supporting independent operators during its formative years.
Tipto’s 25th anniversary celebrated a legacy of fostering connections and supporting agents, reinforcing its pivotal role in the travel industry’s evolution.
