2026 NEWS
2026 NEWS
Celebrating 70 Years
For the last 70 years, the Institute of Travel & Tourism has worked on behalf of its Members to develop and maintain high professional standards across the industry.
Steven Freudmann, Chair, said "I am so proud of the fact that, this year, the Institute will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. ITT is a not-for-profit Institute, owned by its members and run by a Board of directors who give up their time voluntarily, which makes reaching our 70th anniversary quite extraordinary. Equally noteworthy is the fact that membership continues to grow year on year, with a 15% increase in 2025. So thank you all for your loyalty and support and here’s to the next 70 years!"
We look forward to a 70 Years celebration on Tuesday 17 November. To make it possible for ITT to stage this special event, we are seeking sponsors. If you would like to support ITT and join in the celebration, please contact events@itt.co.uk.
#ITT2026: Rob Shapland
As Director of Cyonic Cyber, Rob Shapland is a renowned ethical hacker and cyber security expert who has spent his life breaking into companies worldwide to help them protect against criminal attacks.
He specialises in physical intrusion, breaking into company offices by dressing up as a cleaner, a fake employee or even as a Hollywood film producer and then stealing a computer from right under their nose.
This session is kindly being sponsored by Planet Technology.
#ITT2026: Rob Shapland
As Director of Cyonic Cyber, Rob Shapland is a renowned ethical hacker and cyber security expert who has spent his life breaking into companies worldwide to help them protect against criminal attacks.
He specialises in physical intrusion, breaking into company offices by dressing up as a cleaner, a fake employee or even as a Hollywood film producer and then stealing a computer from right under their nose.
This session is kindly being sponsored by Planet Technology.
#ITT2026: Jacqueline Dobson
Taking to the ITT Conference stage, a driving force behind one of the UK’s most successful travel groups. Jacqueline is President of The Vacation Group, the leisure division of Internova Travel Group, and one of the travel industry’s most influential leaders.
Known for her strategic vision, commercial strength, and outspoken advocacy for the sector, Jacqueline has successfully steered the business through major growth phases and industry-wide challenges.
#ITT2026: Bruce Poon Tip
We are thrilled to welcome Bruce Poon Tip back to the ITT Conference this year in Malaga, following his impactful appearance in Qatar in 2023.
As the Founder of G Adventures, the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company, Bruce is a true pioneer of community tourism and a global leader in social entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
#ITT2026: Bruce Poon Tip
We are thrilled to welcome Bruce Poon Tip back to the ITT Conference this year in Malaga, following his impactful appearance in Qatar in 2023.
As the Founder of G Adventures, the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company, Bruce is a true pioneer of community tourism and a global leader in social entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
#ITT2026: Frank Marini
Save the Date 2026!
Don’t miss out on our exciting line-up of events this year, including Network ITT, Debate ITT, Leadership Dinners, Future You on the Roads, the ITT Conference, and many more.
Mark your calendars now and stay ahead of the curve! To view the full list of events and to fine out more, click here.
Save the Date 2026!
Don’t miss out on our exciting line-up of events this year, including Network ITT, Debate ITT, Leadership Dinners, Future You on the Roads, the ITT Conference, and many more.
Mark your calendars now and stay ahead of the curve! To view the full list of events and to fine out more, click here.
Steven's Greetings!
2025 was another very successful year for your Institute. Membership increased by almost 20% and all our events continued to be well supported.
We had a wonderful Conference in Sardinia, with a new moderator, Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, and some unforgettable speakers. Once again, we raised funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Our Future You programme continued to develop with over 250 students attending our Roadshow at Leeds Beckett University. We also launched our Speakers for Schools programme aimed at sixth formers.
We were very grateful to Doug and Ruth Wardle for their wonderfully generous bursary which will enable student members of ITT to attend our overseas Conference.
This year we introduced our new networking event, Debate ITT, with over 150 Members attending our first three events. We also held Network ITT events in Manchester and Birmingham. As always, the ITT Lounge at WTM proved enormously popular.
Next year is a particularly special year as ITT celebrates its 70th anniversary! We will be marking this milestone with a special 70th anniversary celebration. Look out for further details coming soon.
Our Conference in Malaga looks like breaking all records, with registrations already surpassing our expectations. The speaker line-up will include representatives from Hays Travel, Barrhead Travel, TUI, Railbookers, Gold Medal, G Adventures, Saudi Tourism, and MSC Cruises.
Thank you for your continued support.
I wish you all a very happy festive season and a Happy New Year.
Dr Steven Freudmann F.Inst.T.T.
Chair ITT