The Group Travel Organisers Association has revealed a new name and new look.
From now on the GTOA will be known as AGTO – the Association of Group Travel Organisers. Its logo and brand identity will be completely different, too.
The news was broken at the annual general meeting for the GTOA, which took place at the Northampton Marriott on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th January.
AGTO chief executive, Mike Bugsgang, said: “Brands are the very DNA of an organisation and in many respects this should be the same for the GTOA. It’s about our values, beliefs, and our reputation in the industry overall.
“There is a need to reboot the marketing, communications and membership drive. The new name and brand is calm, fresh and identifiable.”
The rebranding of the organisation coincides with its 25th anniversary.
“The association has reached a real milestone,” said Mike. “It needs a more contemporary feel.”
The new logo and colour palate chosen for AGTO’s identity is known as dark evergreen. It’s new typography will be Gotham Light.
The new logo and branding will be rolled out across the association’s marketing, website and communications across the course of the next few months.
Overall the project is expected to cost £10,000.
Timeline of the rebrand
At the 2016 AGM Mike Bugsgang explained that the rebranding was an idea that was raised by a number of GTOs at the AGM in 2014.
After this event, a Strategy Group was set up to research and plan a new identity for the organisation.
Much of the work involved in creating the new brand has been carried out by volunteers from the organisation, but the design side of things has been completed by an experienced rebranding company.
Other news from the AGM
Chairman Yvonne White will be stepping down from her post on the board, in accordance with regulations that state the chairman can only hold their role for two years. Her replacement should be in post by September.
Subscriptions will be increasing this year. Prices will increase from £200 to £250 for associate members, and from £24 to £30 for GTO members.
For more information visit www.gtoa.co.uk.
A cover from one of Elvis Presley’s guitars and his famous aviator sunglasses are on display at Direct from Graceland: Elvis at London Bridge until September.
