Special Report: Travel Convention 2022 preview

Early-bird registration opens next week for Abta’s Travel Convention, which will take place in Marrakech from October 10-12.

The event marks a return to an overseas, in-person conference after the past two years’ iterations were held virtually or in hybrid formats due to the pandemic.

Travel Weekly is once again the trade media partner for the event.

The convention will include two days of business sessions, in addition to a range of supporting events to showcase the destination and offer networking opportunities in business and social settings.

Abta has also promised “an illustrious line-up of industry leaders and external experts” who will provide “a broad spectrum of critical insights designed to prepare the travel industry for what lies ahead”, as well as guest speakers who will “inspire delegates to explore new ways of thinking”.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “Marrakech is set to be a fantastic Travel Convention. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Moroccan National Tourism Office for hosting us. This marks the first overseas convention since the start of the pandemic, so it is a momentous occasion for Abta, our members and our partners.

“The event will provide a programme of thought-provoking and insightful business sessions, as well as ample networking opportunities and the chance for industry professionals to see and experience Marrakech first-hand.”

Jamal Kilito, director for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at the Moroccan National Tourism Office, added: “After two postponements due to the pandemic, The Travel Convention will finally take place in Marrakech this year.

“Morocco is thrilled to welcome all delegates from the UK for this outstanding event.

“Abta and the Moroccan National Tourism Office are closely collaborating to make it an exceptional success, especially in the present circumstances, as this will be the first post-pandemic overseas convention organised by Abta.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the ‘kingdom of light’.”

Destination immersion

In addition to business sessions, the convention will feature a range of full and half-day excursions, social and networking events designed to offer delegates the opportunity to experience “authentic Marrakech”.

These include an Abta Members Reception on the evening of Monday, October 10, which will take place at Jamra, an open-air poolside location at the Mövenpick Hotel.

The event will then be formally opened with a ceremony in the hotel’s Royal Ballroom before a Welcome Party including food, drinks and entertainment.

On the Tuesday, the Host Party will take place at the Beldi Country Club, which “prioritises harmonising the relationship between the Moroccan environment and human activity”, with 250 people “contributing each day to preserving the spirit of the place and ensuring everything within the Country Club is homemade”.

A convention spokesperson said: “The tables, chairs and dishes are manufactured by craftsmen from the Beldi’s workshops. The olive oil and bread are homemade, and the flowers and tropical vegetation are grown in the grounds.

“Glassware is made from recycled glass, hot water is generated by solar energy, the buildings are built with natural straw and earth, and there is a shop selling homemade linen to raise profits for schools in the Atlas Mountains.

“Many people play their part in the workings of this beautiful concept, so that the Beldi Country Club reflects traditional Morocco, which is rich in ancestral knowledge of arts and crafts.”

Event programme

LifeLine activity Golf Tournament Full and half–day Excursions

Abta Members Reception Opening Ceremony Welcome Party Convention Bar

Travel Weekly Business Breakfast (invitation–only) Business Sessions Delegate Lunch Business Sessions

Meet the Media Host Party Convention Bar

Business Sessions Delegate Lunch Business Sessions

Delegate departures (optional) Convention Supper Club Convention Bar

About Marrakech

Delegates will have a chance to explore a diverse and culturally rich city when Marrakech hosts The Travel Convention.

Abta said: “More than 1,000 years old, the Red City exudes a whirlwind of excitement and offers a plethora of sights, scents and tastes. Exquisite terracotta buildings sit against a backdrop of mountains and eclectic colour, while enticing smells waft through the markets and the sonorous call to prayer echoes from mosques.

“The city has an eclectic mix of atmospheric neighbourhoods, dusty deserts, twisting alleyways, beautiful courtyards and lavish greenery. Architectural gems can be found alongside ancient artistry juxtaposed with a flourishing modern-art scene. Enticing souks brim with multicoloured fabrics, fresh cuisine, spice traders and antiques, while mystical performers and fortune tellers entertain in the Djemaa el Fna square.”