Nikki da Costa, the former director of legislative affairs at Number 10 Downing Street, will address Abta’s rescheduled Travel Matters event on December 6.
She will discuss the tumultuous UK political landscape and current affairs, sharing her opinions on how businesses can navigate the changing economic climate.
Now a specialist partner at consulting agency Flint Global, da Costa served under two previous prime ministers – Theresa May and Boris Johnson. She also worked on Johnson’s general election campaign.
Other speakers lined up for the event are the aviation minister Baroness Vere; Tim Alderslade, chief executive at Airlines UK; Martin Alcock, director, Travel Trade Consultancy; Andy Janes, group director of operations, Intertek; and Christopher Snelling, policy director, Airport Operators Association.
Abta speakers will include chairman Alistair Rowland, chief executive Mark Tanzer, public affairs director Luke Petherbridge, and industry relations director Susan Deer.
Travel Matters is Abta’s annual policy conference, and this year will discuss the theme ‘An Agenda for Recovery and Renewal’.
It will be moderated by LBC’s Tom Swarbrick and will take place at One Birdcage Walk, Westminster.
The event was originally planned for June but was rescheduled for December because of a national rail strike.
Petherbridge said: “It has been quite the year for politics, so it will be great to get Nikki’s take on what has happened, what it means for the future of British politics and businesses operating in the UK economy.
“The event is well-timed and well-placed to be able to discuss the issues facing the industry now, and into the future, and what we need from the UK government to help the industry recover and grow.
“Travel Matters is a chance to cut through the political noise and get to the heart of the challenges facing businesses and consumers and explore the policy solutions.”