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Quartet of industry bosses to debate prospects for sector at Travel Convention

Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief, Lucy Huxley, will moderate the ‘Talking…travel in 2024’ session at Abta’s Travel Convention, with four leading industry bosses.

She will be joined by Ailsa Pollard, chief executive at dnata Travel Group UK & Ireland; Matthew Callaghan, customer and operations director at easyJet holidays; Alistair Rowland, chief executive of Blue Bay Travel; and Torey Kings-Hodkin, head of sales at Royal Caribbean International.

The industry convention will take place in Bodrum, Turkey (October 30 to November 1) at the Lujo Hotel, an all-inclusive resort with an on-site convention centre.

The ‘Talking…travel in 2024’ session will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday November 1.

Other industry bosses have also been lined up as speakers at the 2023 Travel Convention, including Phil Gardner, chief commercial officer, Ambassador Cruise Line; Lucy Clifton, UK managing director, Flight Centre; Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director, InteleTravel; Mark Duguid, managing director, Kuoni UK; Andrew Swaffield, president of Virgin Enterprises.

Topics to be explored include how the industry can harness the transformative power of AI, how to attract the next generation of talent, progress on climate action, and trends and consumer spending habits.

Experienced broadcaster Sangita Myska will be moderating the business sessions for the first time this year.

There is also a programme of evening parties, excursions and activities, offering delegates opportunities for networking and exploring Bodrum and its region.

The Abta LifeLine Convention cycle ride on takes place on October 30, supported by Intrepid Travel and Avis Budget Group. Tickets cost £65 and proceeds will go towards Abta LifeLine.

More: Abta announces industry experts as Travel Convention speakers

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