TTC Registration Brochure - Costa Navarino 2015

Costa Navarino, Greece 12-14 October 2015

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Contents 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

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.

Headline Sponsors 19 Promotional Opportunities // Contact Us

20 Hosts

Local Partners

www.thetravelconvention.com @TheTravelConv // #ABTA15

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Be Part of Travel’s Future In our increasingly complex

Each year the Convention is supported by lead and

working environment, we

headline partners, without whose contribution we

can control only so much.

would be unable to deliver such a high-quality business

That’s why this year’s Travel

programme. I should like to thank The Telegraph

Convention theme – Risk

and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for their long-standing and

and Resilience – will address

continued support, and to welcome Travel 2

the best ways for us to plan

and NatWest both of which join us this year as

for and manage change as an

headline sponsors.

industry, at a business level and as individuals.

all be accommodated at the luxurious Westin Resort

and uncertain global network. By nature of what we

Costa Navarino with the business sessions taking place

do as an industry we have a high level of exposure

in the House of Events, just a few steps from the Hotel.

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.

Lead Partner

The resort is surrounded by unspoiled and breathtaking 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

Once again, this year’s Convention is built around

the local communities. It is a superb development

four key pillars – Our World, Our Industry, Your

which I urge you to experience for yourself.

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

Travel Media Partner

Navarino in southwest Peloponnese. Delegates will

We are all operating in an increasingly connected

to political, economic and business risk. But history

Headline Sponsors

This year’s Travel Convention will take place in Costa

Be there, be there with your industry colleagues, and be a part of travel’s future!

the opportunity to network with a diverse range of

Mark Tanzer

delegates: decision makers, influencers and opinion

Chief Executive

formers across the travel community; as well as

ABTA

industry experts, some 30 leading travel journalists, ABTA’s Board and senior management team.

www.abta.com @ABTAtravel

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Greek National Tourist Office Find something

is breathtaking. Soaring mountains, deep gorges

new in Greece at

and rare wildlife make perfect backdrops for cycling,

The Travel Convention!

climbing, hiking and nature watching.

We at the Greek National

Over the past few years we have experienced a

Tourism Organisation

significant increase for a diverse range of holidays

are very excited at the

and we know that the Peloponnese is perfectly

prospect of welcoming

positioned for this growth.

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

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.

have special memories of whiling away sunny days in

We look forward to extending you a very warm

the Greek islands. Indeed the last time we hosted ABTA

Greek welcome!

delegates was on island bestseller, Kos.

Mr. Panos Livadas

But today’s holidaymaker wants more than just a

Secretary General

beach holiday and Greece has much more to offer.

Greek National Tourism Organisation

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

www.visitgreece.gr @visitgreece.gr

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Region of Peloponnese I am delighted that we

villages and ski resorts. From sea and sun lovers,

shall welcome delegates of

adventure seekers, wine and food indulgers to culture

The Travel Convention to

enthusiasts and sports fanatics, the Peloponnese has

the Region of Peloponnese

something to satisfy every visitor.

in October this year.

The Peloponnese is also a booming luxury and wedding

Hosting such a prestigious

destination following quality big-scale investments

event is of great importance

in modern integrated destination resorts and luxury

to Messinia and the whole

hotels. With this combined with marinas, tourist

Peloponnese region. It

moorings, diving areas, city hotels and urban festivals,

provides us with an unique opportunity to showcase

the Region has now established its reputation as a

a region which is one of the most popular visitor

year-round MICE, leisure and city break destination.

destinations in Greece.

The Peloponnese is home to traditional settlements, archaeological sites, museums, classical Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments and monasteries which

I look forward to welcoming you to the mythical Region of Peloponnese.

Sincerely yours,

are here to be explored. The region is also home to

Mr. Petros Tatoulis

five UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Sanctuary of

Governor

Asclepius and the Epidaurus Theater; the imposing

Region of Peloponnese

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

www.mythicalpeloponnese.gr @mythicalpeloponnese

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

The UK Travel Industry’s Flagship Event 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

Event Format The 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.

inspiration to delegates through an outstanding programme of thought-provoking

This year’s event includes: two days of business sessions, with plenary and

content, to challenge the way you think and approach your business.

breakout options; two lunches; a business networking ‘hub’; two evening

The Convention has now established its identity as the forward-looking event in

parties; a Convention bar, a football match as well as optional sports and

the travel industry, providing you with the opportunity to understand what lies

excursion opportunities.

ahead and to shape the travel industry of tomorrow, rather than be shaped by it.

Delegates

The event also offers the best opportunity of the year for you to constructively

The Travel Convention is attended by top people spanning the full breadth of the

network with peers and industry experts with ample time included throughout

mainstream and specialist travel sector including: tour operators, cruise lines, hotels,

this year’s programme for both business and social networking.

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.

“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

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THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Venue This 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 Âť 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.

Destination This 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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Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Business Sessions In our increasingly complex

We face continual geopolitical challenges. What are the ramifications of these and

working environment, we can

other world events? Are there strategies to adopt to mitigate the risks?

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

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!

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?

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

What’s going on and what lies ahead?

10am and finish around 15:30 to provide a balanced mix of business, networking and relaxation time.

The latest issues and trends affecting the industry Best business practice and innovations coming down the line Quality networking with fellow delegates

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“Inspirational and great presentations - really made me think!“ Nishma Robb, Head of Marketing, Google

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

The business sessions will once again be expertly steered by journalist, radio and TV presenter, Daisy McAndrew.

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Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Programme of Events Monday 12 October

Monday 12 October 08:10 – 08:50

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

Reserved Golf Tee Times

region’s rich history and natural beauty. More >>

Morning Optional Excursions

If sport is your thing, you have the opportunity to take part in the annual

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

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

Private events Private events must only take place at the times indicated.

“Professional and enjoyable. The perfect combination!”

James Berresford, CEO, VisitEngland

ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.

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Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Programme of Events Tuesday 13 October The Convention Hub will provide the perfect setting for private meetings, networking and catching up with industry colleagues.

Tuesday 13 October 08:30 – 09:45

Convention Hub

about Our World, which will set the scene for the sessions to follow.

08:15 – 09:30

Travel Weekly Breakfast Briefing*

After lunch in the Westin Hotel’s main Restaurant, we’ll be focussing on

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

Gialova and the picturesque town of Pylos – both no more than 20 minutes

From 16:00

Optional Excursions

from the Resort.

19:00 – 20:30

Media Reception*

The Agora, the Westin Resort’s authentic Greek village, will provide the perfect

20:30 – 23:00

Host Party

23:00 – 03:00

Convention Bar

The Convention’s plenary sessions will commence with a series of sessions

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

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

“An extremely well run and informative event – first class as always.”

Andy Washington, Managing Director, Expedia

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ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Programme of Events Wednesday 14 October 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 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.

“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

ABTA reserves the right to change the published programme, venues and speakers.

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Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Registration Information

Flights

Visit www.thetravelconvention.com to register Registration Fees Until 12 July 2015

From 13 July 2015 Aegean Airlines is offering delegates direct flights from London

ABTA Members Delegates

Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Kalamata Airport (KLX) on Sunday 11 and £450

£500

Monday 12 October, with return flights operating on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October.

ABTA Partners First delegate

£450

£500

Additional delegates

£615

£675

£615

£675

£75

£210

Other Delegates Delegates Companions**

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.

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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

* 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.

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

To book your flights, visit the Aegean Airlines website.

Flights from the North Visit the Convention website for flight options from Manchester Airport.

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Accomodation

ABTA has taken over the Westin Resort Costa Navarino

The rooms at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, located next to The Dunes Beach, are

exclusively for this year’s Convention. Special room rates

inspired by old Messinian mansions. Many of the rooms enjoy unobstructed views of the

for delegates are available to delegates via our official

Ionian Sea, some with individual infinity pools, and you can enjoy your best sleep ever with

accommodation provider, Sunvil.

the ultimate comfort of the Heavenly Bed®.

Once registered, delegates will receive an accommodation

The Hotel’s Anazoe Spa offers a serene sanctuary with an exceptional menu of

booking link as part of their confirmation email.

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

Rates include buffet breakfast, VAT and bedroom tax.

Double/Twin Occupancy

£154

Each room is subject to a £15.50 plus UK VAT booking fee.

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Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Lead Partner

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

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THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

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! continues to be of great importance to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and

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.

The Travel Convention is a great opportunity for us to meet you – our

Travel is an important contributor to the growth and strength of the

key agents and tour operators – and update you all our latest news

UK economy – travel agents and tour operators contribute nearly £40

and product innovations. Agent feedback plays an invaluable role in

billion to our GDP, and employ over 100,000 people.

Building strong relationships and working closely with the travel trade

influencing and developing our future working relationships.

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.

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 19

Costa Navarino, Greece // 12-14 October 2015

Headline Sponsors

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

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Promotional Opportunities

For further information visit: www.thetravelconvention.com

The Travel Convention offers a wide range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities, providing the opportunity to reach delegates before, during and after the Convention.

email: moreinfo@thetravelconvention.com tel: 01920 444830

View the Promotional Opportunities brochure.

Promotional Opportunities

To discuss the available opportunities, please contact Giles Harper on giles.harper@travega.co.uk or call 07771 812372.

Costa Navarino, Greece //12-14 October 2015

twitter: @TheTravelConv #ABTA15