The Travel Convention will be held in Abu Dhabi this year. Amie Keeley reports on what delegates can expect
Registrations for Abta’s Travel Convention open next week with organisers promising an event to match host Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future of the industry.
Hundreds of delegates are expected to attend the three-day annual conference, which will be held at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi on Yas Island on October 10-12.
Travel Weekly is again the official trade media partner and will be covering news and interviews leading up to and during the convention, as well as being involved on stage.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer described Yas Island as the “perfect location”, as it was the UAE’s “prime leisure and entertainment destination”.
He said: “Abta was delighted to be invited to hold our 2016 event in Abu Dhabi.
“It is an ambitious and dynamic emirate that is fast evolving across a multitude of industries and sectors, particularly tourism and culture.
“Aside from the destination and its clear leisure tourism connections, The Travel Convention will also be the perfect opportunity for the industry to reflect on the major events of 2016, and focus on its own vision for the future.”
Host partners Etihad Airways is offering special rates for delegates, and its destination management company Hala Abu Dhabi, will host discounted tours of the city.
Yas Island is offering 600 free places to delegates for Yas Island theme parks including Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.
On the first day of the convention, a golf tournament will be held at Yas Links course, while a football match will take place at the five-star Emirates Palace hotel. Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal will host delegates for a tour of the facility, which opened in December 2015.
Etihad Airways vice-president for UAE commercial, Mohammed Al Bulooki, said: “Abta’s decision to choose Abu Dhabi for The Travel Convention is recognition of the huge efforts the emirate has placed on developing Abu Dhabi into a world-class hub of tourism, culture and tolerance.”
How to register
Registration opens next week. All registrations must be completed online at thetravelconvention.com
Getting there
- Etihad Airways offers three flights daily from Heathrow, two from Manchester and a service from Edinburgh and Dublin.
- Discounted economy fares are being offered to delegates from £320 if booked before July 18, and £370 afterwards.
- Business-class fares cost £1,600, subject to availability. The special rates are valid for travel from October 1-20.
- Delegates will be provided with details of how to book the preferential rates after registering for the convention.
Accommodation
Delegates will stay at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.
Single room: £150 a night
Double room: £172 a night