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Mark Tanzer ABTA CEO said: “The most pressing issues facing the travel industry today are the cost that the ash cloud has had on our sector and the level that the new Per Plane Duty will be set at. The industry is facing some unprecedented challenges at the moment, and it is essential that both the new Government in Westminster and decision makers in Brussels understand and take on board our concerns as they redraft fundamental legislation.”

Travel Matters will explore ways that the industry and political decision makers can work together to ensure a successful future for the industry and enable customers to book and  travel with confidence.

Moderated by Sky News presenter Mark Longhurst, the event will contain presentations from Daily Telegraph Deputy Editor Benedict Brogan on the impact of the new coalition government, Doug McWilliams founder of the Centre for Economic Business Research on the outlook for business and the economy, and Dermot Blastland Managing Director of TUI Plc on the company’s vision for the future.

Travel Matters will be held at the Millbank Media Centre within a short walk of the Houses of Parliament, will contain panel discussions and question and answer sessions and an opportunity for delegates to celebrate ABTA’s 60th anniversary. 

www.thetravelconvention.com/travelmatters

Journalists who want to attend, or for further information contact:
Sean Tipton, Senior Press Officer, tel: 020 3117 0513,
Frances Tuke, Public Relations Manager, tel: 020 3117 0514, Mobile 07850 712 325.
Out of Hours:  Contact the Duty Press Officer via pager: 07659 190 987. 
E-mail: press@abta.co.uk
Web: www.abta.com

Notes to Editors
ABTA – The Travel Association was founded in 1950 and currently has 1,351 members with 5,700 outlets. Members include travel agents, tour operators and support services right across the spectrum from small family-owned businesses to the largest tour operators. 

ABTA is the largest travel association in the UK and its members provide 90% of the foreign package holidays in the UK as well as selling millions of independent travel arrangements. 

In 2008 ABTA merged with the Federation of Tour Operators [FTO], thereby cementing its role as the leading travel association and increasing benefits for both ABTA and FTO members. Both the ABTA brand which is highly recognised by consumers and the FTO brand which is well known in destinations will be retained.

As part of its comprehensive package of services to members, ABTA, as a non-party political organisation works to represent the interests of its Members to government and key opinion formers in the UK and EU.