'Dark art' of aviation route planning to be discussed at Lata conference

The Latin American Travel Association (Lata) has unveiled further details about the line-up for the conference at Lata Expo, with the schedule including a session aiming to “demystify” aviation route planning.

The conference is scheduled for the opening day of Lata Expo, which will run from June 2-4 at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor.

Broadcaster and journalist Simon Calder, who will introduce keynote speeches and host panel sessions, will lead a discussion with the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK in an attempt to shed light on the commercial or operational reasons behind route launches, cancellations and frequency changes.

Lata chairman Martin Johnson said he was particularly interested in learning more about “the dark art of aviation route planning”.

The programme will open with a presentation on consumer travel trends and data by Wanderlust magazine’s Lyn Hughes, who will be followed by an overview of the global financial picture delivered by Deloitte.

Calder will then lead a discussion with Hughes and Deloitte looking at how the current situation might impact consumer spending on travel.

A representative from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will then share insights into the office’s advisories, including explanations of how information is gathered and updated.

Broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls will close the conference by sharing his experience of living on the Galapagos Islands with his family for Channel 4 series My Family and the Galapagos. Halls is president of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and remains heavily involved in preservation efforts.

The Sustainability Summit, taking place on June 4, will offer a programme based on the message that collaboration is key.

Megan Parkinson, head of sustainability and impact at Lata, will host two panel discussions and also present the winners of this year’s Responsible Tourism Awards for the Latin American region.

The first panel, discussing how to transform tourism through public-private collaboration, will feature representatives from Visit Costa Rica, Explora, the Spanish Tourist Office and the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

The second panel will look at some of the issues around the collection and reporting of sustainability data. Participants will include representatives from Travalyst, Travelopia, Crees Manu and The Long Run.

After Lata Expo, the third edition of the Lata Roadshow will take place across Brighton, Cardiff and Oxford between June 9-11.