VisitBritain is campaigning for ABTA to hold its 2008 convention in England.
The Government-backed tourist board has written to ABTA, claiming a domestic conference would not only be affordable and accessible, but would also give UK tourism a boost.
VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright added agents and operators shoul focus more on the domestic trade, which generated £11.5 billion in 2005 from UK people taking domestic breaks of one night or more.
He added: “We believe the case for a domestic event is stronger than ever. In 2008 London will have been handed the Olympic baton by Beijing and the Liverpool City of Culture 2008 celebrations will be in full swing, creating a real buzz about holidaying at home.
“Hosting the ABTA Convention in England is an unmissable opportunity to remind travel agents and tour operators of the world-class tourism products and wealth of quality-assessed accommodation that this country has to offer.”
An ABTA spokeswoman said the decision for the 2008 venue would probably be voted on by board members in July.
She added the board takes into account members’ wishes when deciding a venue but warned that London, Glasgow and Birmingham are the least popular of a current list of agents’ preferred venues. Dubai is top.
She said: “We do take all proposals seriously but they do have to be considered by the board.”