ABTA reveals theme of ‘The Next Chapter’

Registration for The Travel Convention is now open with a discounted Early Bird registration fee available to delegates. This year’s event will take place in The Azores from 9-11 October 2017.

The theme for this year’s Convention is ‘The Next Chapter’ and business sessions will focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead following global political upheaval and volatile economic conditions over the last twelve months. Speakers will provide delegates with a broad vision of the future and a wide spectrum of tips and insights, designed to help and support travel businesses as they navigate an ever-changing environment.

The Convention will be held in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the largest of the nine Azores islands. Business sessions will take place at the Teatro Micaelense Cultural and Congress Centre, which is located in the heart of the old town of Ponta Delgada. The brand new five-star Hotel Azor overlooking the marina in Ponta Delgada is the main venue for after-hours delegate networking and socialising.

With beautiful countryside offset dramatically by the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores islands offer breath-taking landscapes and a wide range of activities, including whale watching, mountain climbing, bathing in hot spring waters and golf. The islands were voted one of the most beautiful places in the entire world by National Geographic in 2016.

The Travel Convention takes place over three days and includes plenary and workshop sessions, lunches, evening parties and late night bars. Optional activities include a football match, golf tournament and local excursions designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Azores.

Azores Airlines will provide delegates with special return airfares from London Gatwick airport. There are also daily flights to the Azores via Lisbon for delegates who prefer to travel via the Portuguese capital.

The event will be hosted by The Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism agencies (APAVT) and the Regional Government of the Azores.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive commented: “With Brexit, President Trump and the ongoing security situation dominating the headlines, it is impossible to ignore the impact of world events on the travel industry and we look forward to addressing the most important issues impacting travel businesses at the industry’s flagship event. We also seek to provide inspiration to delegates through a programme of thought-provoking content. All of this will take place in the Azores islands, a truly spectacular setting. This year’s Convention is a chance to see this natural paradise and I would encourage delegates to take advantage of the Early Bird fees when registration opens today.”