ABTA has unveiled the latest line-up of speakers for this year’s Travel Convention.
Announced today, Manuel Butler, newly returned as Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, will discuss how destinations can rebuild from the impact of the pandemic and how Spain – a hugely important destination for UK outbound travel – is leading the way in adapting to changing consumer behaviours.
Also announced today is Julia Simpson, who took up her new role as President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council last month.
Ms Simpson will address delegates on the importance of strong leadership as the travel and tourism sector emerges from the coronavirus crisis.
MD of Intrepid Travel, Zina Bencheikh, and Vice President EMEA at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ben Bouldin, will join a panel discussion exploring how the industry can place sustainability at the heart of its recovery.
Driven by the theme, Leading the Way – envisaging and inspiring in extraordinary times, topics to be tackled in this year’s keynote speeches and panel discussions include how innovations in the world of travel are set to shape the industry, what the future holds for business travel and adopting new ways of working to build better and fairer organisations.
The four new speakers join already confirmed senior figures from the travel industry including:
- Richard Carret, Vice President Alliance Development & Communications, Star Alliance
- Graham Hales, brand and marketing expert
- Suzanne Horner, Chair of the Business Travel Association and CEO, Grey Dawes Travel
- Ailsa Pollard, CEO, dnata Travel Group (UK & Europe)
- Tom Johnson, Managing Director, Trajectory
- Alistair Rowland, ABTA Chair and CEO, Blue Bay Travel
- Andrew Swaffield, CCO for the Virgin Group & CEO for Virgin Red
- Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA
- Mohsin Zaidi, Author of A Dutiful Boy
Moderated by ITV News’ Royal Editor Chris Ship, this year’s ABTA Travel Convention is on Wednesday 13 October at East Wintergarden, in London’s Canary Wharf. It will also be online via a customised digital platform.
ABTA CEO Mark Tanzer said: “As the travel industry’s flagship event, the Travel Convention always brings together an esteemed list of speakers to debate the most pressing issues facing the travel sector – and this year’s event is no exception.
“This year, more than ever, it’s important for us to come together to reflect on the events and learnings of the past 12 months and inspire our delegates to envisage and embrace what the future holds for the travel industry.”
Fees for ABTA Members and Partners are £155 for the online event and £295 for the in-person event, while non-Member fees are £255 to join online and £395 to join in-person.
To register, go to www.thetravelconvention.com.
