Brand new hotel W Barcelona to host delegates at welcome reception

ABTA is delighted to announce the Luxury Travel Forum, which will form an integral part of The Travel Convention to be held between 6 and 8 October. The forum has been designed to appeal to all providers of luxury travel products and services, from tour operators, agents and airlines to hotels and suppliers, whether they specialise in the luxury travel sector or want to move into this still burgeoning market.

Luxury Forum delegates will enjoy a unique welcome reception at the brand new hotel – W Barcelona, which will open just five days before the Convention.

Richard Brekelmans, W Barcelona's General Manager, said: "W Barcelona is thrilled to be a sponsor of the first Luxury Travel Forum. It is the perfect opportunity to mark the start of a new annual event for the luxury travel sector.  I'm looking forward to celebrating the opening of our hotel and the arrival of the W brand into Western Europe, with some of the most influential names in travel.”

W Hotels is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc and has established itself as an innovative, luxury, lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of “Wow” through design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities and entertainment.

Luxury Travel Forum delegates can attend The Travel Convention's plenary sessions – those with content relevant to the luxury market – as well as the official social activities and parties. But delegates who register for the Luxury Travel Forum will also follow a separate agenda, as outlined below.

Tuesday evening: Luxury Travel Forum delegates will meet up for the first time at a special Welcome Reception, hosted by W Barcelona.

Wednesday afternoon: Luxury Travel Forum delegates will be able to do business, speed-dating style in our Luxury Travel Showcase. There will also be a half hour opening business session.

Thursday: A dedicated morning of Luxury Travel Sessions will be co-hosted by Radio 2 and Panorama Presenter, Jeremy Vine, together with the Editor of Telegraph Travel and Ultratravel, Graham Boynton.

There will be a limited number of sponsorship opportunities within the Luxury Travel Forum – contact Tracy Phillips on 01920 873003 or tracyp@dellardavies.com for details.

Note: everyone attending the Luxury Travel Forum must be a registered Travel Convention delegate.