Travel Trends

Get the latest insights from ABTA and senior industry representatives on the sentiment, requests and bookings they are seeing from their customers and how they are adapting marketing strategies.  

Hear up-to-date information on popular travel segments, including luxury, adventure, youth and cruise. And understand generational differences in approaches to booking.

Learn how political uncertainty, the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation and prices have impacted customer behaviour and whether it continues to do so, including changes to holiday habits, buying behaviours, and online interaction with brands.  Understand the importance of agility in your communications to ensure you react to changing consumer sentiment.

With data to back up perceptions on trends, this conference will provide both expert advice and industry examples on how your business can adapt to capitalise on the new opportunities and continue to build consumer trust to keep your clients booking and travelling.

Attend the drinks reception to continue the discussions from the day with the expert speakers, peers and colleagues.

• Current sentiment towards travel and the impact of the current economic situation
• Understanding consumer intentions and buying habits
• Latest ABTA insights
• An update on key product trends including luxury, adventure, youth and cruise
• Understanding generational differences in approaches to travel – the impact of advances in technology and how to engage with different consumer groups
• Building awareness and communicating sustainability credentials 
• Digital marketing strategies and embracing AI and new technology trends
• Destination focus and advice for selling new destinations.

Moderator: Emma Brennan, Head of Media and Communications, ABTA

Emma is responsible for developing and delivering PR and communication strategies to support ABTA’s work on behalf of its members – from lobbying on policy matters to encouraging customers to book with an ABTA member. Her role also oversees ABTA’s busy press office, which is often the first port of call for journalists about a travel-related story or crisis. Prior to working at ABTA Emma has led the PR teams in national organisations including Citizens Advice and Keep Britain Tidy.

Graeme Buck, Director of Communications, ABTA

Graeme leads ABTA’s external and internal communications, including PR and media relations, marketing communications and brand stewardship.  Joining ABTA in 2020, he was previously Head of Communications for Waitrose & Partners.  He brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience of working with major organisations.

Speakers include: 

• Hazel McGuire, General Manager, Intrepid 
• Rachel O’Reilly, Director of Communications, Kuoni
• Sarah Fowler, Marketing Director, Riviera Travel
• Ant Stone, Director of Marketing, G Adventures
• Kate Liberty, Head of Marketing & Brand, Newmarket Holidays
• Hayley Shortman, Senior Influencer Marketing Manager, TUI Group
• Marina Snellenberg, Accessibility Manager, TUI Group
• Meryem Bennouna, Director, Moroccan National Tourist Office
• Antoine Vialle, Market Intelligence Consultant, ForwardKeys
• Sophie Griffiths, Editor and Chief Purpose Officer, TTG Media
• Richard De Villa, Marketing Director, Clubmed
• Iain Powell, Vice President Sales & Marketing EMEA, Hurtigruten
• Odelcer Hanley, Marketing Manager, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board
• Mark Lawther, Owner, Experience Albania
• Andy Headington, Chief Executive Officer, Adido
• Karen Musgrave, Head of PR and Communications, Barrhead Travel
   

• Hear insights from ABTA and industry experts into key travel trends, market outlook and industry prospects for 2024
• Hear case study presentations based on trends and learning and use these to fine tune your marketing strategies
• Inform your product planning with actionable insights on the future of travel
• Learn how to adapt your marketing strategies to capitalise on changing consumer behaviours
• Hear sector specific updates including cruise, luxury, gen-z and adventure
• Get an update on digital trends, AI and technology developments
• Gain insights and advice into selling new destinations
• Network and share knowledge with industry colleagues including press, agents, and operators.

• Directors, CEOs and senior managers
• Marketing, PR, sales and product teams
• Communications and customer support teams.

ABTA member/ABTA Partner rates*

Early bird rate – £279 plus VAT
Standard Rate  – £319 plus VAT

Non-member rates

Early bird rate – £439 plus VAT
Standard rate – £479 plus VAT 

Early bird rates have closed for this event. 

This includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day, all delegate materials, presentations and an attendee certificate. 

Make payment by credit or debit card. 

View our booking terms and conditions here.

Discounts

• Book three places and get 50% off the third place.
  ^{(This discount will be automatically applied when you book online.)}
• If you are looking to book for a larger group please contact events@abta.co.uk for a bespoke discount.

*To qualify for the ABTA member/Partner discount you must have a current ABTA member/Partner number or your application must be in progress when the event takes place.

Non-members are welcome to attend. For information about becoming a member click here.

Event partners

Adido are experts in the travel and tourism sector having worked with travel brands since 2003. The Adido team continually research all the latest news and information about travel & digital marketing to ensure our clients keep at the forefront of the industry. We're committed to inspiring commercially-focused companies to evolve their digital experiences, and to achieve more from their marketing spend. We challenge briefs, explore alternatives and offer candid advice; all with the aim of advancing digital performance for our clients. We look for the ‘why’ and establish the ‘so what’ when assessing performance. We push to deliver efficiencies, delivering sustainable profitable growth and proving value. We obsess over meaningful commercial metrics and are not sidetracked by vanity KPIs. We embrace technology and always objectively use data to inform decision making. This ensures our digital platforms and digital marketing campaigns achieve success. We hypothesise, test, learn and evolve in order to be proactive and progressive. By combining skills across design, development, digital marketing and analytics our team offers an informed, collaborative and honest approach to digital solutions, and thrive on partnerships with clients.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is known as one of the most progressive destinations regarding the preservation of its environmental assets and indigenous wildlife. The 60+ islands and cays that form the British Virgin Islands remain a haven for guests who value privacy amidst unblemished natural beauty. From magnificent accommodations and hassle-free hospitality to world-class sailing, and diving to award-winning cuisine and spas, the BVI is the ultimate destination for the discerning traveler. Visit bvitourism.com or call 44-207-355-9585 for more information. 

Experience Albania is the first Albania specialist operator in the UK having been created in 2013. Founder Mark Lawther has spent many years living in the country. On top of this he has worked for key UK tour operators and major international airlines. Consequently, Experience Albania is in an unparalleled position to be the go-to resource for holidays to Albania from the UK. As well as being able to advise and assist on itineraries, through our partners on the ground we have hundreds of directly contracted properties, vehicles, guides, transfers and everything else needed to create a perfect Albanian holiday.’

The Moroccan National Tourist Office in London develops the UK and Ireland markets, partnering with tour operators, OTAs, travel agents, and airlines to boost arrivals to Morocco. While promoting destinations like Marrakech, the office also highlights Morocco's hidden gems—authentic, unique spots offering exceptional experiences. Covering all segments, from golf and MICE to luxury travel, the office ensures Morocco appeals to diverse travelers. Strategic airline partnerships enhance accessibility, providing ample connections from various UK and Irish towns, making Morocco an irresistible and accessible destination.

Media partner

Networking sponsor 

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For information on how to promote your company at this event, please contact Sara Dolan on 07766 517 611 or email sdolan@abta.co.uk.