ABTA Highlights Need to Shape the Future of Travel at 2024 Convention

ABTA – The Travel Association Chief Executive Mark Tanzer speaking at the opening of the 2024 ABTA Travel Convention in Costa Navarino. Photo source: ABTA

Mark Tanzer, the Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, welcomed the significant recovery in travel and tourism post-pandemic on Tuesday, asserting that the industry has outperformed other consumer sectors. ABTA, the largest travel trade body in the UK, boasts over 4,600 travel brands in membership.

Addressing delegates at the 2024 ABTA Travel Convention, the UK travel industry’s flagship event held at Costa Navarino in Greece through October 9, Tanzer emphasized the importance of acknowledging the current state of the travel sector and outlining the path forward.

“It’s a pathway that will have twists and turns, and maybe some cul de sacs which we need to reverse back up – but it’s a journey that we can embark on with confidence,” he said.

The theme of this year’s ABTA Travel Convention is “Shaping our Future”.

Tanzer highlighted the latest findings from ABTA’s Holiday Habits report, which indicate a growing reliance on travel organizers for consumer confidence.

“The trust in travel professionals contrasts with the general decline in trust across other sectors in the UK,” he noted, commending the hard work of ABTA members.

However, he stressed the urgent need to confront the challenges of climate change and overtourism.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to overtourism; creating a strong bond between destination communities and visitors is essential,” he stated.

ABTA’s chief executive called for government support to develop sustainable aviation fuels and urged the travel industry to adapt to a low-carbon future.

Moreover, his remarks articulated the responsibility of the travel industry to address its environmental impact while ensuring the sustainability of tourism in popular destinations.

Tanzer underscored that the travel industry is at a pivotal moment, where collective action and collaboration are necessary to shape a future that benefits all stakeholders.

According to Tanzer, the focus remains on innovation and partnership within the industry. He urged delegates to “make it new” and work together to ensure that travel remains a force for good.

ABTA’s Travel Convention serves as the UK travel industry’s flagship event, providing opportunities for networking and discussing the future of travel and tourism. Senior professionals from across the sector, including tour operators, cruise lines, and travel retailers, will attend the convention, which hosts over 200 delegates from the travel industry, along with representatives from both British and international media.

The Host Partner for the 2024 ABTA Travel Convention is the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).