Travel Trends

Early bird prices will expire on 11 October 2024. 

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
   

Additional speakers will include travel marketing experts and customer insights bodies.

Speakers at last year's event included: 

• Carolyn Addison, Head of Product, Black Tomato
• Craig Cartwright, SEO Lead, Go City
• Erin Johnson, Marketing Director, Travelopia
• Charles Knowlton, Global General Manager of Experience, Topdeck Travel
• Karen Musgrave, Head of PR & Communications, Barrhead Travel
• Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer, Ambassador Cruise Line
• Chris Roche, CEO, The Adventure People
• Neil Sealy, Managing Director – UK & Ireland, Exoticca
• Neil Swanson, Chief Marketing Officer, TUI UI & Ireland
• James Treacy, Senior PR & Communications Manager, Abercrombie & Kent
• Anne Williams, Marketing Director, Hotelplan

• 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 prices will expire on 11 October 2024. 

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 partner

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.

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.