Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! This year, ITT took this well-known holiday song to heart and held ASPIRE 06 at Butlin's resort in Bognor Regis. Participants were given the chance to stay at Butlin's ship-shape Shoreline Hotel, a £10m venture intended to take the brand well into the 21st century.

With the sea lapping against the shore only a few feet away from the main conference room, students and industry novices were given a chance to listen to and meet some of the most senior figures in travel and tourism.

High on the agenda were discussions about the fundamental changes which are revolutionising the trade. Delegates were briefed on the creation of Triton - why there was a need for it and how it became into being. They learnt how consumer buying behaviour is affecting the way travel insurance is sold; what is being done to generate renewed enthusiasm for holidays in England; and, most importantly, were assured there are still plently of excellent jobs to be had in the industry. And as if this wasn't positive enough—with the help of infectious poetry—they became well versed in the importance of positivity and indiscriminate smiling.

Dispelling myths soon emerged as a secondary thread running alongside the main theme of change. Popular misconceptions about many aspects of travel were raised, but only so they could be well and truly shattered. Delegates were left in no doubt that, for instance, 18-30 Holidays aren't all boozing and bonking any more; package holidays aren't about to become a thing of the past; holiday pranks aren't just for family summer holidays; and cruises aren't just for old Oldies! Speakers explained how all these areas have not only adapted to the needs of 21st century visitors, but also why they're set to prosper well into the future.

Awards
The TTC/C&G Awards were presented at the beginning of the Visit Britain party. These Awards recognise outstanding performance in travel examinations, and went to Elizabeth Sanigar, Simone Crane, Lorraine Lovatt, Claire Looker, Jenna Palmer, Charlotte Brannagan, and Kayleigh O'Neil. Training Enterprise of Bromley won the Centre Performance Award.

Congratulations go to Daniel Waine, the winner of the Bella Rangel Callen Award for the ITT Student of the Year. His tutor at Newcastle Business School nominated Danny for the prize because of his exceptional commitment to his studies and chosen industry—in fact, he was described as a "travel and tourism natural". He's using his £500 prize to join ITT members networking in Oman. As an "exceptional, first class student", he definately looks set to be a future industry leader!

Prizes
In the Exhibition Passport prize draw, Danielle Williams from Ramsgate won the Club 18-30 holiday—she's already booked her trip to Zante! And Darren Moulder from Bracknell & Wokingham College won the Travel Weekly quiz - he'll soon be jetting off to stay with Acorn International Hotels in Mallorca.

ASPIRE 06 is organised by the Institute of Travel & Tourism and TTC Training in conjunction with Springboard UK and Travel Weekly.