ABTA’s Travel Matters Conference – a Chance to Discuss Geopolitical Challenges, and Celebrate the Positive Role of the Industry

ABTA also to host parliamentary drop-in session for MPs

ABTA’s Travel Matters conference returns on 9 June this year, with the conference theme of “crossing borders, enriching people and powering the economy.”

Stephanie Peacock MP, Tourism Minister, will provide the keynote speech from government. Also speaking at the event is On the Beach CEO, Shaun Morton, who will deliver this year’s industry insight session.

The annual event, held in central London, will once again bring together a senior audience of CEOs, directors, political figures, government stakeholders and leading journalists from both national and travel trade media.

Speakers will reflect upon the current geopolitical and economic challenges facing travel and tourism, discuss what government can do to support the sector, and look at how travel businesses are responding.

An overview on the current macroeconomic situation and consumer sentiment will also be shared with delegates by speakers from Deloitte and Ipsos.

Delegates will also hear from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, on the introduction of the EU’s European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is due to come into force later this year.

The following senior leaders from the outbound, inbound and domestic travel sectors will join on the day, along with ABTA Chair Alisa Pollard and ABTA Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer:

• Kate Nicholls MBE Chair UK Hospitality
• Tim Alderslade CEO Airlines UK
• Joss Croft OBE CEO UK Inbound
• Uku Sarekanno, Deputy Executive Director, Frontex
• Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive, Ipsos
• Debo De, Senior Economist, Deloitte

Following the event this year, ABTA will be hosting a parliamentary drop-in session with members, offering parliamentarians a chance to speak with industry representatives about the value the sector brings in terms of economic contribution and jobs across the country.

This is part of ABTA’s ongoing work to engage MPs and government officials, to help them understand the value of the sector and the policies needed to help our members thrive. ABTA speaks with government officials on a weekly basis and has a programme of activity to keep MPs informed about the sector, including bringing members together with their local representatives.

Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA, and moderator of this year’s Travel Matters said:

“Travel Matters is firmly established as the leading forum for the travel industry to come together with policymakers to address the challenges facing travel businesses.

“At this time of heightened uncertainty, it’s never been more important to ensure you’re informed about what’s going on in the world, geopolitically but also in terms of consumer sentiment and purchasing behaviour. I am delighted that we will once again be hearing from a range of experts, both from within and outside of the industry, on the topics that really matter to members.

“I am particularly pleased that the Tourism Minister, Stephanie Peacock, has agreed to speak this year. With several government officials also due to be in attendance, the event will give us the ideal opportunity to set out our stall on the value of travel and tourism to the UK economy.

“Numbers of delegates are limited and I would advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

“This year’s sees us extend our activities, with a parliamentary drop in straight afterwards, where we will really hammer home to MPs the importance of overseas travel to their constituents and the role local businesses in helping people travel with confidence. We’ll also promote the huge economic and employment contribution made by outbound travel, both to local and national economies.

“There has never been a more important time to be engaging and influencing policymakers directly, and we look forward to a busy day.”

To find out more about the event and to book you place go to https://www.abta.com/events/travel-matters-0