10 Aug
2017

Speakers announced for The Travel Convention

ABTA encourages delegates to make the most of their time in The Azores

Further speakers have been announced for this year’s Travel Convention with James McClure, General Manager, Northern Europe, Airbnb and Dominic Tucker, Head of Sales UK&I, Norwegian and Helen Caron, Distribution and Cruise Director, TUI UK & Ireland joining the line-up.

Delegates can expect some interesting debate as McClure, Tucker and Caron discuss their views on the next chapter for their sectors; the challenges they face; the competitive response to their growth, the post-Brexit landscape and much more. Following significant media interest earlier this month in anti-tourism protests in Barcelona and the Balearics and the impact of new business models on tourism more generally, this session looks set to be topical and thought provoking.

This year’s Travel Convention will take place in The Azores from 9-11 October supported by headline sponsors Royal Caribbean International, AVIS Budget Group and lead sponsor The Telegraph. It will be held on the island of São Miguel and delegates will have the opportunity to explore and experience some of the island’s highlights, excursions include:

Whale Watching

This sea trip is a chance to admire the marine mammals of the Azores in their natural habitat.

Furnas Tour

A full day excursion which includes the chance to try some of São Miguel’s culinary highlights including the famous Queijadas da Vila, a traditional pastry and of Cozido das Furnas – a local speciality dish prepared by lowering the pot into a hot spring heated by volcanic steam. This excursion also takes in the only tea plantation in Europe and the Lagoa das Furnas.

Lagoa do Fogo

A half-day excursion which includes a visit to the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo crater lake as well as a walking tour of the picturesque village of Ribeira Seca, located on a volcanic plateau above the sea.

Sete Ciades

A half-day excursion to visit the beautiful a Sete Ciades lake, which is situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. This excursion also includes a visit to a pineapple plantation.

Delegates also have the chance to take part in ‘Ride for your Lifeline’, a scenic coastal bike ride taking in some of the Azores beautiful landscapes. The price of this excursion includes a donation to ABTA LifeLine.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “The Convention provides an opportunity for the industry to come together and debate current issues as well as looking ahead to the future. I am delighted to welcome all of our speakers and look forward to some interesting debates. I would encourage anyone attending the Convention to ensure they spend some time exploring the beautiful island of São Miguel and to take advantage of the excursions on offer.”