Theme

‘The Road Ahead – Reasons to be Cheerful’ will be the theme of this year’s business sessions. The theme is about discovering optimism amidst the disruption and uncertainty going on in our world. And cheerfulness is not just a leadership trait – it is pivotal for motivating teams and attracting the talent that will drive the industry's future.

As ABTA marks 75 years of extraordinary achievements by its members and Partners, this theme invites the industry's leaders to look ahead with renewed positivity to explore the innovations and opportunities that will shape the next chapter of travel. From embracing transformative technologies and sustainable practices to navigating shifting social and geopolitical landscapes, the business sessions will highlight how reframing challenges can spark energy and creativity.

We will also shine a light on the progress being made across the travel sector, including aviation, cruise, and infrastructure, where cleaner, more efficient models are emerging, and address ways to manage overtourism that will provide the right balance for destinations, their residents and visitors. By focusing on solutions and framing disruption as a catalyst for advancement, this year's Travel Convention will offer actionable insights and inspiration for senior travel professionals to drive a thriving, forward-thinking industry.

Convention Moderator

Jonathan Samuels, a Sky News presenter and travel writer, will return for the second time to moderate the business sessions at this year’s Convention.

Jonathan has been a broadcast journalist for over 25 years, beginning his career in regional BBC radio and TV before becoming Chief Correspondent for Channel 5 News and then a Sky News foreign correspondent, based in Sydney.

He has covered conflicts in the Middle East, elections in the US, missing miners in Chile, protests in Hong Kong and Bangkok, plus tsunamis, bushfires, floods, earthquakes, and terror attacks around the globe. More recently he anchored live coverage of events in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, the fall of Kabul, UK election results, the death of Queen Elizabeth and the Coronation of King Charles.

Seeking a more sedate type of travel – away from breaking news, natural disasters, and wars – for several years Jonathan has written travel features for the national press. From Orkney in the far north of Scotland to the far north of Queensland in Australia, Jonathan’s travel writing has taken him far and wide.

Highlights include being one of the few journalists on board the record-breaking Virgin transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel and going back in time to the 70’s at JFK’s hotel based in the old TWA terminal.