07/09/2013 00:00
TW
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Palma.—Majorca is now ready for the arrival of over 800 delegates from the British travel industry for the ABTA convention opens in Palma on Monday morning. The Bulletin, as the event's local media partner, will be providing full coverage of the three day event as well as publishing a 34-page ABTA special for all of the delegates highlighting the joys of what the island has to offer.

Obviously, it's an opportunity for the British travel industry to combine some business with pleasure and this year has the added bonus that Cosmos Holidays is using the convention to celebrate its 50th anniversary, so there is also going to be a real party feel to the conference. But, after a hard but relatively productive summer season for the industry with holiday sales, especially those to Spain and the Balearics, up on last year, there will be some serious issues to discuss here in Palma with regards to the challenges facing the industry in the short to mid term.

An illustrious line up of speakers has been put together and the convention is going to be moderated by the ITV News anchor, Alastair Stewart OBE, who will be returning to the convention stage after a break of ten years.

“I am thrilled to be back again with the ABTA family. We all face tough times, when good holidays, good service and good value are more important than ever. “The convention is THE place to talk about the issues, macro to micro, that are impacting the industry; to renew acquaintances and make new friends. I can't wait and you can't afford to miss it,” he said ahead of his arrival in Palma.

Winner of the Royal Television Society's Presenter of the Year in 2005, Alastair was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 2006 Birthday Honours List for his work in broadcasting and charity.

The next AB TA convention was not due to have taken place in Majorca until 2013 but, Palma was decided upon as the perfect alternative to trouble struck Tunisia where the conference was originally due to have been held.

ABTA held its first convention in the capital back in 1973 and pledged to return every ten years.
The promise has been kept until now but having the convention earlier than planned in Palma could not have come at a better time with the British travel market having totally dominated the Spanish and Balearics this year.