Agents to focus on ‘reasons to be cheerful’ at The Travel Convention

Travel agents from the high street, homeworking and online sectors will share their “reasons to be cheerful” on stage at The Travel Convention (October 6-8).

Abta confirmed the theme for its 2025 Travel Convention in Calvià, Majorca, as ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ in May, against a background of appalling suffering in Gaza, wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, missile exchanges between India and Pakistan, and rising tension over US imposition of tariffs on trade.

Agency bosses speaking at the event will be Judith Alderson, commercial director at high street chain Dawson & Sanderson; Chris Gardner, chief executive of online agency Cruise.co.uk; Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at Barrhead Travel Group, which has high street and homeworking agents; and Steve Witt, co-founder of homeworking agency Not Just Travel.

They will highlight their key takeaways from the business sessions and talk about what “drives their optimism” for the future of travel.

More: Interview: Abta chief explains rationale for upbeat Travel Convention theme

The event will also host a breakout session about B Corp certification, which offers a framework for firms to embed sustainability, accountability and social responsibility into their operations.

In this 45-minute session, delegates will learn about what certification involves and why travel brands are adopting it, plus how it has potential to boost trust and unlock financial opportunities, and set them apart in a competitive market.

Rochelle Turner, global B Corp impact manager at Intrepid Travel, and Will Bicknell, chief executive of travel payments specialist Felloh, will lead this session, sharing their insights including case studies and actionable steps.

For more about the convention, click here.