ABTA is encouraging anyone who has yet to register for this year’s Travel Convention to take advantage of the early bird flight offer from Etihad Airways which ends on 18 August.

This year’s Travel Convention takes place from 10-12 October in Abu Dhabi, one of the undoubted travel and tourism success stories of recent years. Combining iconic 21st century architecture and 5 star luxury whilst maintaining its ancient heritage, Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world-leader in state-of-the-art leisure, business and sporting facilities. The Travel Convention will be based at the iconic Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel on Yas Island, which is the first new hotel in the world to be built over a Formula 1 race circuit.

Etihad's reduced airfares are valid for travel between 1-20 October 2016, allowing delegates to stay longer in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways is offering ABTA delegates flights from its three main gateways in the UK – London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.

This year’s Travel Convention will be themed around Time Travel, and will focus on looking forward to understand what lies ahead and what trends are shaping the travel industry of tomorrow. The impact of Brexit will also form a key part of the business sessions, as leading industry figures and ABTA debate its effect on travel.

Business sessions will be moderated by Maryam Nemazee from Al Jazeera English. Speakers announced so far include Expedia’s Andy Washington, Etihad’s James Hogan and Debbie Marshall of Silver Travel Advisor. Guest speaker Marc Priestly will share his experience of ten years as a member of the McLaren Formula One pit crew. Thimon De Jong, an expert in societal and cultural trends, will provide a revealing insight into the future by looking at the changes in gender, society and demographics to predict what organisations will have to deal with to stay ahead. Delegates will also hear from Mario the robot who meets and greets customers at the Ghent Marriott Hotel in 19 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “Following a momentous year for travel, it is important to come together as an industry and so I would encourage people to join us in Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is a fantastic setting for networking with industry colleagues, and our business sessions will provide insight and practical tips as we gain a better understanding of what lies ahead and we collectively explore the future of our industry.”

For a full Convention details, and to register, visit www.thetravelconvention.com