Nikki da Costa, former Director of Legislative Affairs at No 10 Downing Street, will address ABTA’s Travel Matters event on 6 December.

Following months of turmoil in British politics, Nikki will discuss the political landscape and current affairs in the UK, sharing her opinions on how businesses can navigate the upcoming years amongst political change and turbulent economic climates.

Nikki served under two previous Prime Ministers – Theresa May and Boris Johnson - including working on Boris Johnson’s general election campaign and is now a Specialist Partner at Flint Global. 

The Aviation Minister is also confirmed to speak along with:

• Tim Alderslade, CEO, Airlines UK
• Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA
• Martin Alcock, Director, Travel Trade Consultancy
• Susan Deer, Director of Industry Relations, ABTA
• Andy Janes, Group Director of Operations, Intertek 
• Alistair Rowland, Chairman, ABTA 
• Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs, ABTA
• Christopher Snelling, Policy Director, Airport Operators Association (AOA)

Travel Matters is ABTA’s annual policy conference, and this year brings together leaders from across the industry to discuss the theme ‘An Agenda for Recovery and Renewal’. It will be moderated by LBC's Tom Swarbrick and will take place at One Birdcage Walk, Westminster. The event was originally planned for June but was rescheduled for December.

Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said:

“It has been quite the year for UK politics, so it will be great to get Nikki’s take on what has happened, what it means for the future of British politics and businesses operating in the UK economy. 

“The event is well-timed and well-placed to be able to discuss the issues facing the industry now, and into the future, and what we need from the UK government to help the industry recover and grow. Travel Matters is a chance to cut through the political noise and get to the heart of the challenges facing businesses and consumers and explore the policy-solutions.”

Delegates can sign up to attend the event on abta.com. 
 

Notes to editors

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 3,900 travel brands in Membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £40 billion. We work closely with our Members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our Members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. We’ll help you understand your level of financial protection, and what to do next, in the unlikely event that an ABTA Member goes out of business. So, whatever happens, when you book with an ABTA Member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our Members brings peace of mind. Together with our Members, we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com