Truth, Trust and the Future of the Expert

By ABTA Magazine staff

Truth, Trust and the Future of the Expert has been confirmed as the theme for this year’s Travel Convention, which will take place from October 8-10 in Seville. In a year dominated by the fake news phenomenon and more, the sector’s most forward-looking event will explore the cornerstones of the future relationship between the travel industry and the traveller over the course of the three-day event, where a programme of networking events will run alongside the business sessions.

The Convention, welcoming 500 travel industry professionals spanning the full breadth of the mainstream and specialist travel industry, will see an exceptional line-up of inspirational guest provide ABTA’s members and the wider industry with a broad spectrum of tips and insights designed to help them shape the travel industry of tomorrow, rather than be shaped by it.

Confirmed speakers include Johan Lundgren, chief executive officer of easyJet; Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and chief executive of the World Travel and Tourism Council; Rory Sutherland, executive creative director at Ogilvy One; and Dr Paul Redmond, director of student experience and enhancement at Liverpool University, who returns to the Convention stage after his outstanding presentation in the Azores last year (pictured).

ITV’s royal editor, Chris Ship, will again moderate the Convention. Reflecting the enduring popularity of the UK travel industry’s flagship event, The Telegraph Travel has been confirmed as lead partner of The Travel Convention for the 12th successive year. It will be joined by Avis Budget Group and Royal Caribbean International, which return as headline partners for the second year running, and Global Media & Entertainment, which has come on board as a headline partner for the very first time. ABTA is delighted to confirm that Gold Medal, Travel 2 and Trafalgar will be inviting their leading agent partners to experience the event as agent host sponsors, with Trafalgar also sponsoring the “meet the media” event.

A selection of excursions designed to showcase the cultural and natural heritage of Andalusia’s capital have been organised for delegates, featuring a cultural tour of the city of Seville; a flamenco museum tour and live show; and a traditional Sevillian gastronomy experience. Social activities include the return of the Convention golf tournament, which will take place at the renowned Club Zaudin Golf Sevilla; the annual Convention football match; and Ride for your LifeLine, sponsored by Avis Budget Group, a fundraising event in aid of ABTA’s charitable trust.

Details

• The Travel Convention 2018 will be held at the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento from October 8-10 2018. Registration is now open

• Business sessions will be held at Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento’s internal conference centre

• Accommodation is available to delegates at Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento and Eurostars Torre Sevilla on a bed & breakfast basis

• A number of airlines operate direct flights to Seville from the UK. Delegates are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure the best airfares

• For regular updates and to register, visit thetravelconvention.com