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 >>

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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

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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

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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

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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 paul.taplin@telegraph.co.uk

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

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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

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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

giles.harper@travega.co.uk

or call 07771 812372.

Promotional Opportunities

Costa Navarino, Greece //12-14 October 2015

For further information visit: www.thetravelconvention.com email: moreinfo@thetravelconvention.com tel: 01920 444830 twitter: @TheTravelConv #ABTA15