Places at the association’s annual policy conference are usually by invitation only.
However, Abta said on Thursday (May 24) that in response to “popular demand”, a limited number of tickets will be made available to buy.
New CAA boss Richard Moriarty, who will take over as chief executive on June 1, and aviation minister Baroness Sugg will be among the speakers at the event on June 27.
This year’s Travel Matters will look at the future for travel at a “critical juncture” for the industry amid unprecedented political and regulatory change brought on by new EU directives and Brexit.
These include PSD2, GDPR and the new Package Travel Regulations.
Abta said decisions made by UK’s political leaders in the coming months could have a “profound effect” on the future of the industry.
The conference will explore themes of trust and confidence, specifically, in the UK’s systems of financial protection and regulation; in the future of transport infrastructure beyond Brexit; and in politicians and the media.
Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “There are big political and regulatory decisions looming which will shape the next phase of the travel industry. It is these issues, and many more, which will be explored at Travel Matters, Abta’s flagship policy conference.
“The event brings together senior representatives from across the industry with a panel of esteemed speakers, ensuring an interesting and lively debate. We are delighted to open up the event to additional industry representatives by offering ticketed places.”
Other speakers include Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of The Arora Group, Martin Alcock, director of the Travel Trade Consultancy, Baroness Stowell of Beeston MBE, Akira Nakamura, senior vice-president EMEA and general manager London of All Nippon Airways, and Ayesha Hazarika, broadcaster, comedian and former political adviser to Labour ministers including Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman.
