Valladolid to host 2024 Aito conference in November

The event will take place over 21-24 November at the Felipe IV Hotel in the city centre, near Valladolid’s railway station, with all conference sessions and events taking place in the heart of the city.

Situated around two hours north-west of Madrid, Valladolid is known for its culture, wine and gastronomy, and was briefly Spain’s capital in the 17th century.

"It’s a great opportunity as Valladolid has a lot of potential when it comes to tourism," Valladolid’s councillor for traffic and mobility Alberto Gutierrez Alberca told TTG.

Manuel Butler, UK director of the Spanish Tourist Office, added: "We’re extremely satisfied as it’s been years since Spain hosted an Aito conference.

"We’re happy the conference will be in a city that is almost unknown in the UK market, but is an authentic marvel. It’s not a touristic city, and has a long history."

Aito executive director Martyn Sumners said: "It is a typical Aito destination. It has a fantastic older quarter, great squares, great food, the most unusual tapas – quite incredible.

"The various activities we’re going to be doing – walking, cycling, wine tasting – [there are] many different things to do. It’s such an exciting destination.

"We’re really looking forward to promoting a destination that is less well known."

Sumners added Aito would look at the option for delegates to travel to the conference by rail, praising Spain’s modern high-speed rail network.

The announcement was made at Aito’s AGM in London on Thursday afternoon (18 April).