Shapps will appear at the one-day virtual event on 14 October to discuss travel and tourism post-Covid, and the government’s plans to legislate for travel when the UK leaves the EU.

Other speakers added to the line-up include Chris Sainty, British ambassador to Portugal; Jennifer Anderson, Foreign Office consular director; and Independent travel correspondent Simon Calder.

This year’s convention will be themed Rebuilding Confidence in Travel, with sessions, workshops and networking opportunities delivered via a virtual event portal.

Key topics will include how travel firms can operate safely and successfully in the Covid era and prepare for future pandemic, what Brexit will mean for the industry, and how the sector can embrace sustainability as it reopens.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "It feels more important than ever for us to come together to reflect on events and learnings from the past year and discuss how we can all rebuild for this next chapter."