The ABTA Travel Convention (7-9 October 2024) continues to be a key event for UK travel professionals, providing insight into holiday trends and future issues. Hosted by the Greek National Tourism Organisation at Costa Navarino, this year’s convention focused on current and future industry opportunities and challenges, with guest speakers offering fresh perspectives. 

ABTA’s 2024-2025 Holiday Habits Report, launched at the convention, shows that 84% of consumers travelled more this year, with young families travelling the most. Top holiday concerns include animal welfare, waste and plastic pollution, preserving culture and heritage, nature conservation, overtourism impacts, effects on locals, climate change and water stress.  

Other convention highlights included:  

• Broadcaster and news analyst Ros Atkins discussing global economic, policy and power shifts affecting the future and the travel industry.  
• Debbie Marshall, managing director of Silver Marketing Association, discussing marketing to the 40-plus age group, which has growing disposable income but is under-served. 
• PWC’s Rick Jones and Eleanor Scott from Strategy& exploring investment trends in travel, noting a shift towards experiential holidays. 
• Leadership experts Blaire Palmer and Jo Rzymowska addressing ways to adapt to the new work environment and create a forward-looking organisation.  

The event is known for its valuable networking opportunities and various activities inspired by the host area. This year, these included a traditional Greek panigiri, a charity bike ride and a beach clean. Additionally, FINN Partners, Intrepid Travel and EasyJet Holidays arranged a tour of Athens and the mountainous Peloponnese region. 

The 2025 ABTA Convention is to be held in Calvià, Majorca from 6 to 8 October. 

Report by Emma Monk, project editor, branded content team at National Geographic Traveller (UK) 

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