Abta’s first Travel Matters conference will see top economists, travel bosses and government ministers dissect the key economic and political issues that affect the industry.
Travel Weekly can this week exclusively reveal details of the event, to be held on June 3 at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel in London, having been chosen as Abta’s media partner for both the UK conference and the main annual Travel Convention in Malta in October.
Abta has been keen to hold a UK event to complement its overseas conference, and hopes Travel Matters will attract government decision makers as it looks to bolster its lobbying role.
Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said the one-day event would focus on three key issues affecting the industry’s future: Britain’s emergence from the global recession, regulatory changes and what could be expected from the new government.
“There has never been a more important moment for our sector to debate issues and to make our voice heard,” said Tanzer.
“The economy is still feeling the effects of financial dislocation, and the outlook is very uncertain.
“The travel industry itself is facing upheaval as the regulations that govern the sector are overhauled, both in the UK and Europe. We will also have a new government, with its own pressing agenda, but also with a new strategy for the UK economy.”
Tanzer added: “Travel Matters is an opportunity for travel practitioners and the many suppliers to the industry to understand where we are and where we are going.”
The full line-up of speakers has still to be confirmed but organisers have confirmed they will include government ministers and a senior editorial figure from consumer media partner the Daily Telegraph.
Editor’s comment
Editor’s commentThe Travel Matters conference is desperately needed to ensure the voice of our industry is heard at the heart of government.
It is for this reason Travel Weekly launched its Yes Minister campaign earlier this month demanding the next government creates a dedicated tourism minister.
This was just one of the five demands included in Abta’s Travel Matters manifesto and I believe is the key to the industry being taken seriously by decision makers in government.
We are proud to be working alongside Abta as official trade media partner for both Travel Matters and this year’s Travel Convention.
Our industry has been sidelined for too long. This UK event will give governmental decision makers the chance to engage with it again.
Lucy Huxley, editor, TWgroup
Travel Matters Conference, June 3, London
The Travel Matters programme includes a mix of keynote speeches for all delegates and a choice of morning and afternoon discussion panel sessions.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer will open the conference with an address outlining the state of the economy, the new government and the key issues facing the travel industry.
An editorial speaker from the Daily Telegraph will then outline the expected impact of the new government on the UK, business and the travel sector.
This will be followed by a focus on the economy by Professor Douglas McWilliams, founder and chief executive of the Centre for Economic and Business Research.
Delegates will then be given the choice of attending one of three sessions, entitled:
- Consumer protection: are the reforms bold enough?
- Does the government regard travel as core to the UK’s economic revival?
- Will there be more or fewer travel destinations in 2023?
After lunch there will be a choice of three discussion sessions:
- European regulation: servant or master?
- How can we win our arguments with government?
- What happens to domestic tourism after the Olympics?
After these sessions all delegates will attend a further four main sessions covering:
- Public affairs
- Travel Matters
- Government minister’s vision statement
- Question time
Abta hopes to persuade the new secretary of state for transport to address the conference.
Finally, delegates will be given the opportunity to question a panel of leading figures from the world of both travel and politics who will debate the core issues raised at the conference.
Travel Matters is open to anyone in the industry. For more information, and to register, go to thetravelconvention.com/travelmatters