Abta to host luxury event

TTG Media will partner with the association for The Luxury and Bespoke Travel Conference, with ttgluxury editor April Hutchinson moderating the event.

Taking place in central London on March 22, the event will cover topics including understanding the luxury travel market; shaping the luxury story through sales, marketing and PR; providing products and services to respond to sub-trends; and targeting specific groups of affluent travellers.

Victoria Bacon, director of brand and business development for Abta, said: “The definition of luxury and the needs of affluent travellers are changing, so we’re excited to host Abta’s first luxury and bespoke travel conference. Travellers are increasingly looking for unique and highly personalised travel experiences and escapism in luxury travel was highlighted as one of the top five trends in this year’s Travel Trends report.”

Speakers include Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods, Euromonitor; Fergal McGivney, travel and technology analyst, Mintel; Chris Fradin, vice- president, partner services, Europe, Forbes Travel Guide; Peter Shanks, managing director UK & Ireland, Silversea Cruises; Kerry Golds, managing director, Abercrombie and Kent; Alison Ferguson, senior brand executive, Elegant Resorts; Philippe Brown, founder, Brown & Hudson; Rebecca Fielding, co-founder and chief executive, T.U Elite; Jon Bezalel, digital strategist, Accord Marketing; Pierre Pomaret, expedition cruise supervisor and Nabil Maillard, area sales manager UK & Ireland, for Ponant; and Rick Milne, head of sales, Carrier.

“It’s an excellent move by Abta to try and encapsulate this sector of the industry,” said Hutchinson.

The cost for Abta members and Abta Partners is £245 (plus VAT), or £365 for non-members (abta.com/events).