The Event
Organised by ABTA, The Travel Convention is the UK travel industry’s flagship event; providing opportunities to network and discuss the future of travel and tourism.
Recognised as the forward-looking event in the travel calendar, the Convention's business sessions offer a broad spectrum of tips designed to prepare you and your business for what lies ahead. Hear from industry leaders alongside external experts as they provide thought-provoking content around new business practice and innovations coming down the line. And feel inspired as guest speakers challenge you to think and behave differently.
This is the first time that ABTA’s Travel Convention will take place in Asia. With the Convention taking place during the Rugby World Cup in Japan and the same week as the Japanese Grand Prix, it will be a unique event offering a wide range of ways for your company to get involved and increase your trade visibility. You will also be able to explore Tokyo and Japan through a programme of tours, excursions, social and sporting activities.
With 100% of delegates responding to the post-event survey giving the 2018 Travel Convention in Seville a positive rating (93% excellent / very good) don’t miss this opportunity to attend the industry’s most significant event of the year.
Attendees
Delegate numbers are capped at 600 to create the optimum event and networking experience. Convention attendees include:
ABTA Members – senior professionals spanning the travel sector including all forms of travel retailer, tour operators and cruise lines.
ABTA Partners and Other Delegates – travel industry suppliers such as airlines and hoteliers, accountants, lawyers and insurance providers as well as those offering business knowledge and advice, from technology providers to marketing experts.
Hosted Travel Journalists – representing the UK's national, consumer and travel trade press.
Event Format
The three-day business event includes:
- Eight hours of business sessions (09:30-14:00 each day)
- 'Destination Japan' seminar showcasing the wide range of holidays available in Japan, how to market the region to the UK consumer and more...
- Networking during refreshment breaks, drinks receptions, evening parties and the ever-popular Convention Bar
- Sporting activities including a football match, charity cycle ride and ten-pin bowling
- Get to know Tokyo through full and half-day excursions, as well as Tokyo DIY itineraries.
Hosted Agents
A number of travel agents will be hosted to attend the Convention in Tokyo. Our thanks to Cosmos; Gold Medal and Travel 2; and Royal Caribbean Cruises for making this possible and for their support.
Venue
The event will take place at Prince Hotels & Resorts Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, which is directly connected to the Convention Center Pamir.
You’ll be able to explore Tokyo at your leisure during the free periods as the hotel is just a five minute walk from Shinagawa Station – one of the largest in Tokyo. The hotel is centrally located in Tokyo and 30 minutes drive from Haneda International Airport.
Business Programme
The foundation of every Travel Convention business programme is developed around four key pillars:
Your Network – quality networking with fellow travel professionals
Your Business – new ways of working and technical innovations
Our Industry – current issues and emerging trends
Our World – what’s going on and what lies ahead?
Destination
The 2019 Travel Convention will take place in Tokyo, Japan.
A bustling cosmopolitan city, Tokyo mixes the unique combination of traditional and modern culture, from neon-lit streets, skyscrapers and futuristic technology to historic temples and museums.
Sporting Activities
Ranging from a Rugby World Cup sports bar and ten-pin bowling to the annual Convention football match and cycle ride in aid of ABTA LifeLine, you can be confident the sporting programme will include something for everyone wanting to stay active while in Japan.
Social Events
Events include an Opening Ceremony; a Welcome Party and Convention Bar at a spectacular high rise venue with stunning views over night-time Tokyo, and a Farewell Party at a very special venue.
Optional social events will include an ABTA Members Welcome Reception; Convention Supper Club; a Meet the Media Reception and private hospitality events.
Explore Japan
ABTA Members are invited to select from a range of complimentary pre- and post-Convention FAM tours, organised by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. Qualifying criteria apply.
ABTA Members specialising in the region are offering a range of pre- and post-Convention tours and FIT services for Convention delegates. If you have time to explore Japan before or after the Convention, take a look at what’s on offer.
Tokyo Excursions
The best way to understand Tokyo’s charms and quirks is to experience them for yourself. Maximise your stay through a range of excursions that allow you to roam Tokyo’s streets, taste its iconic food and visit its greatest landmarks.
Rugby World Cup
England Rugby Travel, the official Rugby World Cup 2019 Travel Agent for the UK, is providing Travel Convention delegates with exclusive access to official Rugby World Cup 2019 weekend break and match day packages – details coming soon.