The ITT’s decision to invite Hancock attracted immediate criticism from the travel industry when it was announced yesterday, given the former health secretary’s role in helping to create Covid travel restrictions which caused huge disruption and damage to the industry.
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However disapproval has ramped up further in the wake of new accusations in today’s Telegraph (1 March) stating Hancock ignored expert advice about care homes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic while serving as health secretary.
The ITT had already faced separate criticism for its decision to host its annual conference in Qatar, with many in the industry concerned by Qatar’s questionable human rights record and horrific reports of abuses against LGBT+ people.
The Independent cited one travel boss as stating: “the morally derelict Matt Hancock in the ethical cesspool of Qatar – they were perhaps made for each other”.
However Freudmann insists: “ITT has hosted many controversial figures at its events over the years, including Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Lord Prescott, Sir Michael Fallon, and George Osborne.
“Inviting guest speakers to address our conference does not imply that we endorse their views. Quite the contrary. Indeed, Matt Hancock is aware that he has very few friends in the travel industry and is also aware of the damage caused across the travel sector by the decisions made whilst he was secretary of state for health.
“His session at conference will include questions both from the moderator and the audience. So, delegates will have a great opportunity to tell him what they think of the government’s handling of the Covid Crisis.
“It’s only right that politicians should be accountable. It would be a sad day if we only invited speakers with whom we agree.”
Others in the travel industry, however, disagree. Kristina Wallen, founder of Harp Wallen Executive Recruitment tweeted: “Yet another reason for resigning my @ittnews membership and not attending this conference”.
Richard Forde, head of trade sales at Newmarket Holidays said: “Read the room?! What an appalling decision and announcement. Have you forgotten 2020?”
While Travel Village Group chief executive Phil Nuttall added simply: “Un...be..lieveable... nuff said. Have a word...”.
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https://twitter.com/stevequinlantc/status/1630624298271424514
Hancock had the Conservative whip suspended following his appearance in I’m a Celebrity last year but he remains the member of parliament for West Suffolk.
Do you agree with the decision to invite Matt Hancock to speak at the ITT Conference? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
