Abta Travel Convention to return as one-day October event

Marrakech had originally been due to host the 2020 convention, which is usually staged over three days.

However, Abta confirmed in April the event would instead take place in the UK owing to the coronavirus crisis, with Marrakech now due to host the 2021 convention.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said, “We took the difficult decision a few months ago to postpone this year’s Travel Convention in Marrakech to 2021, but we look forward to welcoming our delegates there in person next year.

“In the meantime, with the start of the recovery presenting so many challenges to businesses, it has never been more important for us to come together to discuss the future of travel and how we can rebuild confidence in customers.

"From our virtual studio, we’ll be delivering high-level business sessions, practical workshops and time for networking. It will be unlike any other convention before it, and we look forward to seeing our delegates there.”

The 2020 programme will be broken down into three pillars: Our World, Our Industry and Your Business.

• Our World will detail the government’s approach to restoring confidence in travel, and how Brexit will impact the industry. A panel of economists will explain what is happening in the economy at a macro-level, while commentators and industry speakers will examine how consumer expectations are changing as a result of Covid-19.
• Our Industry will hear insights on how to operate travel in a world with Covid-19. A range of speakers will explore what is happening throughout the customer journey, including in destinations, to encourage the return of safe travel.
• Your Business will be a focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, and new ways of working. Interviews and panel discussions with industry leaders will focus on the different ways in which travel businesses have adapted to the new climate created by the coronavirus crisis, and other current events, and how they are promoting confidence to their customers to start travelling again.

A list of confirmed speakers is available on the convention website, with the full speaker line up due to be released in September.

Delegates can register via the Travel Convention website. Early bird fees for Abta members and partners are currently £79, while non-member fees are £199.

The early bird rate is available until 1 September. A full delegate list will be available via the website in due course.