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Monty Halls and family to speak at AITO conference
Monty Halls has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at this year’s AITO conference.
The British conservationist, marine biologist and TV presenter will talk to delegates about his conservation and environmental work and immersive travel experiences.
Halls, who is president of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and presenter of Channel 4’s My Family and the Galapagos, will be appearing at the conference with his wife, Tamsyn, also a keen conservationist, and their daughters Isla, six, and Molly, four.
The family uprooted to the Galapagos for three months to uncover the strains put on the archipelago of volcanic Ecuadorian islands.
AITO chairman Derek Moore said: "Our delegates will have a unique chance to hear about the real-life immersive experience of an entire family unit – an experience that is both thrilling and worthwhile. Our members are in for a treat, with a keynote talk that is sure to stay in their minds long after."
Halls said: "Responsible travel is key, not only for the people involved – both the tourists and the local communities – but also for the long-term health of the environments in which we visit. I feel it’s such an important time in the travel industry, and organisations like AITO have a huge responsibility in upholding standards."
The conference takes place November 22-25 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Between talks and business sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to experience the destination, including the opportunity to fly the longest zipline in the world, kayak on the inland waterways, go dune bashing in the desert, and spot wildlife at the Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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