AI focus for Abta as trade reaches ‘pivotal moment’
Ian Taylor
Abta has issued a last call to register for its Travel Convention at the end of this month, with chief executive Mark Tanzer noting the event comes “at a pivotal moment” for the industry. The convention will see a series
of presentations on harnessing AI, matching the theme of ‘Unleashing new potential’. Speakers include Jeremy White, senior innovation editor at Wired; Joao Gonzaga, chief digital officer at DER Touristik; and AI scientist and government advisor Inma Martinez. A morning will also be devoted
to climate change, from how to accelerate the pace of action to enhancing the industry’s resilience. The convention will be held in
Bodrum, Turkey, from October 30 until November 1. Tanzer said: “This year’s Travel
Convention comes at a pivotal moment as we continue to face economic and operational challenges while taking steps to address the ever-more critical challenge of climate change and opening our minds to the transformative power of AI. “I’m looking forward to diving
into these issues and encourage anyone planning to register to
Mark Tanzer, Abta
Dnata Travel boss Ailsa Pollard to leave company
Dnata Travel Group UK & Europe chief executive Ailsa Pollard (pictured) is to leave the business. A statement from the company
confirmed she will depart in February 2024, with a replacement to be announced “in due course”. The statement said: “Ailsa has
been instrumental in the growth and success of the company. From all of us at the dnata Travel Group, we thank Ailsa for her contributions and wish her every success in the future.” John Bevan, chief executive
do so promptly while spaces last.” Two sessions will discuss the
latest consumer insights: PwC will look at the outlook for the UK economy and spending intentions, while Tripadvisor will focus on holidaymakers’ destinations. Two other sessions will
explore recruitment and retention, skills development and creating a more diverse workforce, with a panel of industry experts and a talk by comedian, podcaster and business mentor Cally Beaton. EasyJet Holidays chief executive
Garry Wilson will offer insights into the state of the sector. Broadcaster Sangita Myska will moderate the
New investment consortium
acquires Attraction World Group Attraction World Group has been acquired by a newly founded investment consortium, including its existing executive team, for an undisclosed sum. The tickets specialist said the funding for the acquisition by Montana World Investments was backed by New York-based private equity firm Highmore Group, in addition to investors from the Netherlands and US.
8 12 OCTOBER 2023
convention as well as interview Wilson about the operator’s plans. Other industry speakers include
Intrepid Travel’s Darrell Wade; the Turkish Tourism Board’s Arzu Kahraman Yilmaz; Ambassador Cruise Line’s Phil Gardner; easyJet Holidays’ Matt Callaghan; Flight Centre’s Lucy Clifton; Inteletravel’s Tricia Handley- Hughes; Kuoni’s Mark Duguid; Royal Caribbean International’s Torey Kings-Hodkin; and Virgin Enterprises’ Andrew Swaffield. Registration costs £795 for Abta
members and £895 for partners and non-members. Register at
thetravelconvention.com
Alison Burton to lead James
Villas trade relations team James Villas has appointed Alison Burton to lead a three-strong trade relations team. Burton, who has been with the company for two years in sales and guest operations, has more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry. Aimie Fisher and Lauren White will be guest operations specialists in trade relations.
of dnata Travel Group’s global operation and Pollard’s predecessor, will support the UK and European markets during the transition to new leadership. Pollard took on the role in
November 2021, reporting into Bevan who was promoted to divisional senior vice-president for travel. She had previously held a
range of senior roles during her 12 years with the company, including vice-president of business development and strategy and senior vice-president of Emirates Holidays. Immediately
before her appointment, she headed dnata Travel’s consumer brand in the UAE.
Travel credit card spending
grew by 13.2% in September The travel sector kept its position as one of the top performers of the year, as spending on travel maintained its double-digit growth last month. September’s consumer card outlay on travel was up by 13.2% year on year, according to Barclays data, with travel agents seeing a monthly rise of 7.1% alongside 10.6% growth in transaction value.
travelweekly.co.uk
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