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Costa Navarino, Greece
12-14 October 2015
ABTA – The Travel Association 3
Greek National Tourist Office // Region of Peloponnese 4 –5
About the Event 6 –7
Business Sessions 8 –9
Programme of Events – Monday 12 October 10 –11
Programme of Events – Tuesday 13 October 12 –13
Programme of Events – Wednesday 14 October 14 –15
Registration Information // Flights 16
Accommodation 17
Lead Partner – The Telegraph 18
Headline Sponsors 19
Promotional Opportunities // Contact Us 20
Contents
Hosts
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
www.thetravelconvention.com
@TheTravelConv // #ABTA15
Local Partners
The Travel Convention brings together top people from the UK travel industry to be informed about changes and trends; to debate hot topics and to share time together in an outstanding tourist environment.
In our increasingly complex
working environment, we
can control only so much.
That’s why this year’s Travel
Convention theme – Risk
and Resilience – will address
the best ways for us to plan
for and manage change as an
industry, at a business level
and as individuals.
We are all operating in an increasingly connected
and uncertain global network. By nature of what we
do as an industry we have a high level of exposure
to political, economic and business risk. But history
also shows that it is in times of uncertainty that the
greatest businesses have been created, so we shall be
looking at how you manage downside risk, but also
how you seize the future.
Once again, this year’s Convention is built around
four key pillars – Our World, Our Industry, Your
Business and Your Network. At the Convention’s
social events and during the periods of free-time that
we’ve included throughout the programme, you’ll have
the opportunity to network with a diverse range of
delegates: decision makers, influencers and opinion
formers across the travel community; as well as
industry experts, some 30 leading travel journalists,
ABTA’s Board and senior management team.
Each year the Convention is supported by lead and
headline partners, without whose contribution we
would be unable to deliver such a high-quality business
programme. I should like to thank The Telegraph
and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for their long-standing and
continued support, and to welcome Travel 2
and NatWest both of which join us this year as
headline sponsors.
This year’s Travel Convention will take place in Costa
Navarino in southwest Peloponnese. Delegates will
all be accommodated at the luxurious Westin Resort
Costa Navarino with the business sessions taking place
in the House of Events, just a few steps from the Hotel.
The resort is surrounded by unspoiled and breath-
taking seaside landscapes in an area that has been
shaped by 4,500 years of history. Costa Navarino has
a strong commitment to environmental and social
responsibility and has been designed in harmony with
the local communities. It is a superb development
which I urge you to experience for yourself.
Be there, be there with your industry colleagues, and
be a part of travel’s future!
Mark Tanzer
Chief Executive
ABTA
Be Part of Travel’s Future
Lead Partner
Headline Sponsors
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
www.abta.com
@ABTAtravel
Travel Media Partner
Find something
new in Greece at
The Travel Convention!
We at the Greek National
Tourism Organisation
are very excited at the
prospect of welcoming
Travel Convention delegates
to the Region of the
Peloponnese this October as it gives us a fantastic
opportunity to showcase another mainland gem of
our country.
Most of you will be familiar with our best-loved
locations and the unique Greek hospitality. Greece
is extremely fortunate to have been a destination
favourite, a “home away from home”, for British
holidaymakers over the decades and many families
have special memories of whiling away sunny days in
the Greek islands. Indeed the last time we hosted ABTA
delegates was on island bestseller, Kos.
But today’s holidaymaker wants more than just a
beach holiday and Greece has much more to offer.
Our cities are dynamic and you will find a bold youth
culture revolutionising the nightlife and gastronomy
scenes of Athens and Thessaloniki, while our wilderness
is breathtaking. Soaring mountains, deep gorges
and rare wildlife make perfect backdrops for cycling,
climbing, hiking and nature watching.
Over the past few years we have experienced a
significant increase for a diverse range of holidays
and we know that the Peloponnese is perfectly
positioned for this growth.
This region hasn’t experienced tourism for the mass
market and where there is development, such as at
Costa Navarino you will see that it has been done to
a very high standard, with great attention to detail and
with true sensitivity to the environment.
Come to the Convention and discover for yourself
the authentic Greek hospitality and the Peloponnese’s
great climate, luxury accommodation, world-class
vineyards, amazing sites, and rugged landscape.
We look forward to extending you a very warm
Greek welcome!
Mr. Panos Livadas
Secretary General
Greek National Tourism Organisation
Greek National Tourist Office
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
www.visitgreece.gr
@visitgreece.gr
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
www.mythicalpeloponnese.gr
@mythicalpeloponnese
I am delighted that we
shall welcome delegates of
The Travel Convention to
the Region of Peloponnese
in October this year.
Hosting such a prestigious
event is of great importance
to Messinia and the whole
Peloponnese region. It
provides us with an unique opportunity to showcase
a region which is one of the most popular visitor
destinations in Greece.
The Peloponnese is home to traditional settlements,
archaeological sites, museums, classical Byzantine and
post-Byzantine monuments and monasteries which
are here to be explored. The region is also home to
five UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Sanctuary of
Asclepius and the Epidaurus Theater; the imposing
tomb of Agamemnon, the legendary King Of Mycenae;
the temple of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the first
Olympic Games; the Temple of Apollo Epicurus’s and
the Mystras Monastery.
However, the Peloponnese is not just about ancient
history and culture; it is also known for its magnificent
and diverse landscapes of sun-drenched sandy beaches,
hidden caves and lakes, trekking paths, traditional
villages and ski resorts. From sea and sun lovers,
adventure seekers, wine and food indulgers to culture
enthusiasts and sports fanatics, the Peloponnese has
something to satisfy every visitor.
The Peloponnese is also a booming luxury and wedding
destination following quality big-scale investments
in modern integrated destination resorts and luxury
hotels. With this combined with marinas, tourist
moorings, diving areas, city hotels and urban festivals,
the Region has now established its reputation as a
year-round MICE, leisure and city break destination.
I look forward to welcoming you to the mythical
Region of Peloponnese.
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Petros Tatoulis
Governor
Region of Peloponnese
Region of Peloponnese
6
ABTA’s annual Convention has evolved with the industry and continues to develop each year to ensure its value and relevance for delegates.
The Travel Convention is the UK travel industry’s flagship event. It provides
inspiration to delegates through an outstanding programme of thought-provoking
content, to challenge the way you think and approach your business.
The Convention has now established its identity as the forward-looking event in
the travel industry, providing you with the opportunity to understand what lies
ahead and to shape the travel industry of tomorrow, rather than be shaped by it.
The event also offers the best opportunity of the year for you to constructively
network with peers and industry experts with ample time included throughout
this year’s programme for both business and social networking.
The UK Travel Industry’s Flagship Event
Event FormatThe Travel Convention takes place over three days, with the event format
constructed to enable you to design a bespoke schedule to meet your business
and personal needs.
This year’s event includes: two days of business sessions, with plenary and
breakout options; two lunches; a business networking ‘hub’; two evening
parties; a Convention bar, a football match as well as optional sports and
excursion opportunities.
DelegatesThe Travel Convention is attended by top people spanning the full breadth of the
mainstream and specialist travel sector including: tour operators, cruise lines, hotels,
airlines and all forms of travel retailer
The event is also attended by industry specialists and 30 travel journalists from the
UK national, consumer and travel trade press.
Numbers for this year’s Convention are expected to be 500-600, providing the
optimum event and networking experience.
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
“I really do think it was a superb Convention overall. Great venue, thought provoking content and good networking opportunities.” Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises
VenueThis year’s Travel Convention will take place at Costa Navarino, the prime
sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of
Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese.
With unspoiled and breath-taking seaside landscapes, this area has been shaped
by 4,500 years of history. The Costa Navarino philosophy is driven by a desire to
promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage,
with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility and in
harmony with the local communities. The Resort comprises two 5-star deluxe
hotels, first-class conference facilities, a Spa, two golf courses (one off-site) and a
range of year-round activities. More »
The Westin Resort has been taken over exclusively by ABTA for the Convention
and will provide delegate accommodation, with the business sessions taking place
in the adjacent House of Events.
DestinationThis will be the first time that The Travel Convention has been held in the
Peloponnese. Previous Conventions in Greece include the Island of Kos in 2000 and
Athens in 1976. More >>
7
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
8
Business Sessions
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
In our increasingly complex
working environment, we can
control only so much. Where
even the near future can be
unpredictable, this year’s
business session theme –
Risk and Resilience – will address the best ways to plan for and to offset risks to
ensure the continued success of the travel industry and your business.
As we look ahead, we see a period of continuing economic challenge and
uncertainty in some of the UK’s main travel destinations, with potential knock on
effects in other European countries. Will the Eurozone survive? And will the pressure
for the UK to renegotiate terms or leave the EU continue to grow?
The world economy is making a patchy recovery and in the UK consumer spending
should be boosted by the fall in the oil price and travel made cheaper by the
strengthening of Sterling versus the Euro. But can we have another domestic
consumer-led boom? What is our underlying export strength?
We face continual geopolitical challenges. What are the ramifications of these and
other world events? Are there strategies to adopt to mitigate the risks?
The revolution in the travel market brought about by the internet and changing
consumer behaviour continues. Will the consolidation in the online market carry on?
Who will be the dominant players in the future? Will the sharing economy continue
to make inroads or is it destined to remain a niche?
In the face of these uncertainties, how do we prepare for and manage change as an
industry, at a business level and as individuals? What are the personal impacts of
living in the middle of an unfolding story whose end is unknown, and what tactics
can we adopt to deal with risk and remain resilient?
These are just some of the themes to be explored at this year’s Travel Convention,
and that’s before we add in the unknowns!
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
“Inspirational and great presentations - really made me think!“ Nishma Robb, Head of Marketing, Google
What’s going on and what lies ahead?
The latest issues and trends affecting the industry
Best business practice and innovations coming down the line
Quality networking with fellow delegates
The foundation of every Travel Convention is developed around four key pillars: This year’s business sessions will include both plenary and specialist breakout
sessions, providing content for everyone. The sessions will commence at
10am and finish around 15:30 to provide a balanced mix of business,
networking and relaxation time.
9
THE TRAVEL CONVENTIONTHE TRAVEL CONVENTION
The business sessions will once again be expertly steered by journalist, radio and TV presenter, Daisy McAndrew.
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
11
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
11
Programme of Events
08:10 – 08:50 Reserved Golf Tee Times
Morning Optional Excursions
09:00 –19:30 Free Time // Private Events
13:00 –15:30 Lead Partner Lunch*
15:00 –17:00 Football Match
19:30 – 20:00 Welcome Party Transfer
20:00 – 22:30 Welcome Party
22:30 – 23:00 Return Transfer
23:00 – 03:00 Convention Bar
Monday 12 October Monday 12 October
Before the business of the Convention gets underway, take some time to explore
the local area. There are several tailored excursions on offer, which showcase the
region’s rich history and natural beauty. More >>
If sport is your thing, you have the opportunity to take part in the annual
football match. Team White Hart Associates will battle it out against
Team Lowcostbeds.com – but who will be victorious in 2015? More >>
As October is high season for golf at Costa Navarino, ABTA has reserved 20 places
at a discounted Green Fee for delegates wishing to play golf on Monday morning.
The special Green Fees for Monday morning are £52 per person or £208 for a
four-ball and are valid for one round of golf per delegate. More >>
Monday evening sees the first of the two Convention parties. Hosted by the
Region of Peloponnese, delegates will be transferred to a nearby village for a typical
Greek style welcome to the region.
After the party, head to the Convention Bar within the Resort – the social hub
for this year’s Convention – to continue networking into the early hours. * By invitation/ticket holders only
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
Private events Private events must only take place at the times indicated.
ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.
“Professional and enjoyable. The perfect combination!” James Berresford, CEO, VisitEngland
12
Programme of Events
08:30– 09:45 Convention Hub
08:15 – 09:30 Travel Weekly Breakfast Briefing*
08:45 – 09:30 ABTA Press Briefing**
09:45 –10:00 Opening Ceremony
10:00 –15:30 Business Sessions // Coffee Break // Lunch
15:30 – 20:00 Free Time // Private Events
From 16:00 Optional Excursions
19:00 – 20:30 Media Reception*
20:30 – 23:00 Host Party
23:00 – 03:00 Convention Bar
Tuesday 13 OctoberTuesday 13 October
The Convention Hub will provide the perfect setting for private meetings,
networking and catching up with industry colleagues.
The Convention’s plenary sessions will commence with a series of sessions
about Our World, which will set the scene for the sessions to follow.
After lunch in the Westin Hotel’s main Restaurant, we’ll be focussing on
Our Industry and the latest issues and trends affecting ABTA, its Members
and the wider travel industry.
When the sessions close, you’ll have plenty of free time to catch up on business,
attend private events, explore the Resort or the local area. Complimentary
shuttle transfers will operate between Costa Navarino and the seaside village of
Gialova and the picturesque town of Pylos – both no more than 20 minutes
from the Resort.
The Agora, the Westin Resort’s authentic Greek village, will provide the perfect
backdrop for the Host Party, organised by the Greek National Tourist Office.
After the party, head back to the Convention Bar for a night cap and an
entertaining end to the evening. * By invitation/ticket holders only
** Press Delegates only
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.
“An extremely well run and informative event – first class as always.” Andy Washington, Managing Director, Expedia
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
15
Programme of Events
08:30– 09:45 Convention Hub
09:45 –15:30 Business Sessions // Coffee Break // Lunch
From 15:30 Free Time // Private Events
16:00 & 17:00 Optional Excursions
22:00 – 03:00 Convention Bar
Wednesday 14 OctoberWednesday 14 October
Once again, the Convention Hub will provide the perfect
setting for you to hold private meetings, network and catch
up with industry colleagues.
Today, the business sessions will focus on Your Business.
There will also be a choice of more than six breakout sessions
between coffee break and lunch – so there will be something
for everyone.
After lunch, we will return to the House of Events for the
Convention’s Finale. As ever, delegates can expect the final
sessions to include light-hearted moments before the business
of the Convention closes at 15:30.
After the sessions close, there’s another opportunity to visit the
seaside village of Gialova and the picturesque town of Pylos,
or you can relax and enjoy Costa Navarino’s superb facilities.
ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Convention and found it informative and a useful event to meet/network with existing contacts and make new ones.” Mark Caldicott, Director, White Hart Associate
Registration Fees
Registration Information
16
Visit www.thetravelconvention.com to register
NB: VAT not applicable.
* The ABTA Partner scheme is a Business Services
Network enabling suppliers to the travel industry
to have access to the Convention at a reduced rate.
If you are interested in obtaining this discount and
accessing the many other benefits that come from
being an ABTA Partner, please contact Stephen Barnes
on 020 3117 0503 for further information.
** A companion must be a delegate’s spouse/partner
and not a business colleague or other associate.
Flights
Until 12 July 2015 From 13 July 2015
ABTA Members
Delegates £450 £500
ABTA Partners
First delegate
Additional delegates
£450
£615
£500
£675
Other Delegates
Delegates
Companions**
£615
£75
£675
£210
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
* limited availability in Business class.
Delegates are urged to book their flights at the time of registration
as these are the only direct flights to/from Kalamata on these days.
To book your flights, visit the Aegean Airlines website.
Flights from the North
Visit the Convention website for flight options from
Manchester Airport.
Aegean Airlines is offering delegates direct flights from London
Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Kalamata Airport (KLX) on Sunday 11 and
Monday 12 October, with return flights operating on Wednesday 14
and Thursday 15 October.
One-way airfares, including taxes, are as follows:
Economy LGW-KLX £152.86
Business* LGW-KLX £340.86
Economy KLX-LGW £136.10
Business* KLX-LGW £311.10
When registering, delegates have the opportunity to help others by making a donation to ABTA LifeLine. Every pound donated will be used to help colleagues and their families in need. www.abtalifeline.org.uk
Accomodation
17
The rooms at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, located next to The Dunes Beach, are
inspired by old Messinian mansions. Many of the rooms enjoy unobstructed views of the
Ionian Sea, some with individual infinity pools, and you can enjoy your best sleep ever with
the ultimate comfort of the Heavenly Bed®.
The Hotel’s Anazoe Spa offers a serene sanctuary with an exceptional menu of
specialty treatments based on ancient health and beauty practices, utilising the
exclusive natural ingredients and unique products of the area.
Price (per room per night and includes buffet breakfast, local VAT and bedroom tax).
Single Occupancy £145
Double/Twin Occupancy £154
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
Each room is subject to a £15.50 plus UK VAT booking fee.
ABTA has taken over the Westin Resort Costa Navarino
exclusively for this year’s Convention. Special room rates
for delegates are available to delegates via our official
accommodation provider, Sunvil.
Once registered, delegates will receive an accommodation
booking link as part of their confirmation email.
Rates include buffet breakfast, VAT and bedroom tax.
Lead Partner
18
THE UK’S NO.1 QUALITY NEWSBRAND NOW GIVES YOU THE
CHANCE TO GO BEYOND THE BROCHURE
With our unrivalled reach, breadth of content and advertising innovation,
The Telegraph has always been the perfect partner for the travel industry.
Attracting more than four million print readers and 17.8 million digital
users every month, The Telegraph now provides exciting new opportunities
to follow customers across multiple platforms. Furthermore, following our
acquisition of Telegraph Events in 2013, we are delighted to offer brands the
opportunity to book seamlessly joined-up media campaigns across print,
digital and live events – a UK first.
Taking place from January 8-10, 2016 at ExCel London, the inaugural
Telegraph Travel Show will be bursting with inspiration and entertainment.
The event will bring together our award-winning writers, celebrity chefs and
more than 400 of the world’s biggest travel brands. To ensure instant success,
The Telegraph Travel Show will be linked to The Telegraph Travel Awards – the
largest survey of its kind, representing the views of almost 100,000 travellers.
As always, we look forward to meeting you at ABTA’s Travel Convention.
In the meantime, if you would like to know more about our exciting new
opportunities, please contact our Travel Sales Manager, Paul Taplin, on
020 7931 3090 or [email protected]
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
19
Headline Sponsors
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to be a headline sponsor
of The Travel Convention – one of the most important events
in the travel trade calendar – for the eleventh year in a row!
Building strong relationships and working closely with the travel trade
continues to be of great importance to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and
The Travel Convention is a great opportunity for us to meet you – our
key agents and tour operators – and update you all our latest news
and product innovations. Agent feedback plays an invaluable role in
influencing and developing our future working relationships.
Fred. Olsen’s fleet of four smaller-sized ships – Black Watch, Braemar,
Boudicca and Balmoral – will be taking guests to 245 ports in 81
countries during the 2015/16 cruise season, from a choice of ten
convenient, regional UK ports, making it even easier to cruise with Fred.
Olsen ‘from right on your doorstep’.
www.fredolsencruises.com
THE TRAVEL CONVENTION
We’re delighted to partner with ABTA and be a headline
sponsor of ABTA’s Travel Convention. It’s the industry’s
flagship event, bringing together experts from across the
travel sector, and we look forward to being part of an
exciting and insightful few days.
Travel is an important contributor to the growth and strength of the
UK economy – travel agents and tour operators contribute nearly £40
billion to our GDP, and employ over 100,000 people.
We’ve supported this sector for many years, providing banking
services to over 1,200 travel customers. Our team of experienced
sector relationship managers are based throughout the UK to assist
travel businesses locally.
We’re proud to be closely associated with ABTA.
Travel 2 is a multi award-winning, worldwide, trade-only
Tour Operator with over 30 years expertise in providing
tailor-made holidays for independent travel agents.
Travel 2 offers highly competitive holiday packages to Australasia, Asia,
Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and Latin America as well as
round the world itineraries. From affordable packages, touring, cruises or
exclusive luxury escapes, Travel 2 has it covered.
Working with Travel 2 provides agents with a host of benefits and
rewards including our lucrative T2 Rewards programme and incentives,
award-winning online training platform, T2 Academy, numerous exciting
Fam trips, industry-renowned events, dedicated key account management
team and agent-friendly marketing resources.
www.travel2.com
Headline Sponsors
20
Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015
Promotional Opportunities
The Travel Convention offers a wide
range of sponsorship and advertising
opportunities, providing the opportunity
to reach delegates before, during and
after the Convention.
View the Promotional Opportunities brochure.
To discuss the available opportunities,
please contact Giles Harper on
or call 07771 812372.
Promotional Opportunities
Costa Navarino, Greece //12-14 October 2015
For further information visit: www.thetravelconvention.com email: [email protected] tel: 01920 444830 twitter: @TheTravelConv #ABTA15