2025 NEWS
We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 ITT Conference will take place at the five-star Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton from 8–10 June 2026. Returning to Spain for the first time since 2010, ITT’s flagship event promises an inspiring mix of powerful sessions, high-level networking, and unforgettable social experiences, all set against the stunning Mediterranean backdrop of Andalucía’s vibrant Costa del Sol.
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The Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) has secured a deal with ‘AI for Travel’ business SystemsX. The collaboration will see SystemsX make their flagship Sense AI product available to all of ITT’s educational members across the UK. Students studying travel and tourism related courses at over 35 universities and colleges will have access to an exclusive ITT version of the SystemsX Sense AI platform.
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We are delighted to announce that this year’s ITT Christmas Party, proudly sponsored by ANA – All Nippon Airways, will take place at Archer Street – Soho, one of London’s most stylish and spirited cocktail bars.
Guests will be transported into a winter wonderland inspired by a cosy alpine ski lodge, complete with festive décor, delicious cocktails, and tempting canapés. The venue’s vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating the festive season with friends, colleagues, and members of the wider travel community.
Be enchanted by Archer Street’s extraordinary performers - professional singers and actors who’ve graced the West End and stages across the globe. Their talent and energy promise an evening filled with music, laughter, and Christmas cheer.
Don’t miss your chance to join the festivities. Book your tickets here>>
Ski you there!
We are deeply grateful to Doug and Ruth Wardle of Wardle Travel, who have made an extraordinary donation of £10,000 to ITT, to support the Education and Training Committee to fund the attendance of Future You students at future ITT Conferences.
Established in 1989, Wardle Travel has built a trusted reputation for offering expert, personalised travel services.
Doug and Ruth’s generosity goes far beyond business, it reflects their commitment to supporting the next generation of travel professionals and ensuring they have access to the invaluable opportunities, knowledge and connections the Conference provides.
ITT extends its heartfelt thanks to Doug and Ruth for their kindness, belief in young talent, and unwavering support of our industry’s future and ITT.
Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Planet Technology, a global provider of leading-edge technology solutions encompassing telecommunications, mobile, data and cyber security.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ITT’s mission to foster communications, innovation and excellence across the travel and tourism industry.
Planet Technology join ITT’s existing partners Amadeus, Avis Budget Group, easyJet Holidays, First Rate Exchange Services, Hilton, Neom, TravelUni, TTG Media and Visit Saudi.
We were honoured to welcome Lisa McAuley MBA, as our guest speaker. With a distinguished career spanning cruise, retail, and touring, Lisa brought a wealth of insight to the conversation on the future of our industry. The after-dinner Q&A inspired us all to think deeply about how we can shape the future of travel together.
A special thank you to SystemsX for sponsoring the welcome drinks and helping create such an engaging atmosphere.
The energy, curiosity, and collaboration in the room were truly inspiring.
View the event highlights here >> 📸 Photo credit: the wonderful AG Studios
Join us on Wednesday, 3 September, at the Phoenix Arts Club for the next event in our Debate ITT series.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Tim Hames - a renowned “Trumpologist,” past moderator of our overseas conference, and long-time ITT ally. A former Prize Research Fellow in American Studies and Lecturer in Politics at Oxford University, Dr. Hames published Trump II: Why He Won. What It Means For The World on Inauguration Day. His predictions about President Trump’s second-term policies and their global impact have proven uncannily accurate.
Debate Topic: The Trump Effect - What will Donald do next? How could it affect the travel sector? hat should the industry do to prepare?
Submit your questions in advance via the booking form or email us at events@itt.co.uk.
Join us on 17 September 2025, for an unmissable evening of leadership, insight, and conversation at the prestigious Conrad London St. James, one of London’s most refined venues located in the heart of Westminster. This five-star setting provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of high-level networking, a three-course dinner, and thought-provoking dialogue.
We are honoured to welcome Lisa McAuley, a respected voice in travel leadership, as our speaker. In October 2025, Lisa will assume the role of Managing Director for World Travel Holdings UK. Expect sharp strategic insight and perspectives shaped by decades of frontline experience and leadership.
There are still exciting sponsorship opportunities available for ITT Events in 2025, offering valuable exposure to key figures in the travel and tourism industry.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your brand at our flagship events or connect with senior travel professionals through tailored activations, ITT provides a range of impactful options to suit your marketing goals.
Click here to check out the full list of sponsorship opportunities, or email our Head of Memberships at paul@itt.co.uk to discuss how your brand can get involved.
The latest DebateITT event sparked a dynamic discussion around the hot topic: Will humans be needed in an AI Travel World?
Moderated by ITT Board Director and AI advocate Steven Endacott, the debate featured a standout panel of industry leaders: Kirsten Hughes (Travel Counsellors), Lindsey Winterburn (Travel Solutions Network), Zoe Harris (On the Beach), and AI expert Jeremy Smith (Neural Voice).
The panel explored how AI is already transforming customer experiences and debated what the travel industry could look like in 10 years, from smart automation to the enduring value of human connection.
With bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and a packed audience, it was another compelling DebateITT event from ITT.
What a great night at Network ITT in Manchester!
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester-Piccadilly, the evening brought together a brilliant mix of people from across the travel industry. The evening was the perfect chance to catch up, swap stories, and make some genuinely valuable connections.
A big thank you to Hilton for the first-class hospitality, they never disappoint. From the setting to the service, everything was spot on.
Already looking forward to the next one!
ITT Welcomes Alison Burton to the Board.
ITT is delighted to welcome Alison Burton to the Board. With over 30 years in the travel industry, Alison has held senior roles at Thomas Cook, Hays Travel, and James Villas, and is now Director of Sales at Hilton, overseeing group business across the UK & Ireland.
A results-driven leader with a strong track record in sales and customer experience, Alison said: “I’m thrilled to join the ITT Board and look forward to supporting our vibrant travel community.”
AI Steve Wants the Scoop on ITT Sardina Conference — Ready to Share?
ITT has partnered with cutting-edge AI Voice specialist Neural Voice to enable you to give feedback about the ITT Conference in Sardinia by just chatting to an AI interviewer. How simple is that!
Each conversation will be captured and summarised. The output will then be emailed to you and ITT for review.
Imagine a future where giving feedback is as easy as having a chat in a pub. Message Jeremy to set up a Zoom call to demonstrate how they can go so much further with this technology.
Members have been sent an email with the Interview link.
Network ITT returns to Manchester on Tuesday, 8 July for an evening of relaxed networking at the stylish DoubleTree by Hilton – Piccadilly.
Join fellow travel professionals from 18:00 for great conversation, a welcome drink, and complimentary canapés. Free to attend and open to all – ITT members and non-members alike.
DebateITT is joining forces with our ever-popular Network ITT.
Held at the lively theatre bar at the award-winning Phoenix Arts Club, the perfect opportunity to make lasting and valuable connections with individuals from across the industry.
Event Schedule: 5.00-5.45 pm - Networking, 5.45-6.45 pm - DebateITT, 6.45-8.00 pm - Networking.
Admission is complimentary, with beverages available for purchase. Don't miss these two events, in one epic gathering!
Don’t miss the ITT Summer Party, proudly sponsored by ANA, at the stunning Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons, a riverside setting with iconic views of the Thames.
Join us from 19:00–22:00 for a relaxed evening of drinks, canapés, and conversation with colleagues from across the travel industry. It’s the perfect chance to catch up, connect, and celebrate summer in style.
A highlight of the evening will be the ITT Future You Awards, recognising outstanding emerging talent in travel and tourism.
Thank you to everyone who attended the ITT Conference.
We had a fantastic time connecting, learning, and spending time together in beautiful Sardinia. It was a pleasure to come together with such a passionate and inspiring community of travel professionals.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all our sponsors and speakers for their invaluable contributions and continued support. your involvement played a vital role in making this year’s event truly memorable.
We hope you enjoyed the experience as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
Ballot papers have been sent by email and only one paper per Member will be accepted.
Join ITT in May and sign up for #ITT2025 to save 15% on your membership fee and £100 off your conference registration fee.
Plus, enjoy a 20% saving on your first UK event ticket.
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Set in the historic heart of British democracy, the House of Commons offers a truly iconic setting for this exclusive leadership gathering.
Enjoy a welcome reception, keynote from Gareth Bacon MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, a three-course dinner, and an informal Q&A — all alongside senior travel and tourism leaders.
Book now to secure your place >>
At ITT, we’re using this moment to spotlight the role our industry can play in creating a more sustainable future. Whether it’s through carbon literacy training, expert advice on reducing your footprint, or simple everyday swaps, we’re here to support members at every stage of the journey.
Our latest e-flyer is full of inspiration, practical tools, and ways to get involved, from exclusive training discounts to our Ten Top Tips for greener travel. Small actions really can lead to big impact.
The nine ITT Board positions that are open for nominations in 2025 are as follows:
If you wish to be considered for nomination, download and complete the Board of Directors Nomination Form and Election Template by 11 April.
The first DebateITT will take place on 2 April. Held at the lively theatre bar at the award-winning Phoenix Arts Club, the perfect opportunity to make lasting and valuable connections at NetworkITT and then join in the debate.
Admission is FREE, with beverages available for purchase.
Event Schedule:
5.00-5.45 pm - Networking
5.45-6.45 pm - DebateITT
6.45-8.00 pm - Networking
There are limit spaces available; BOOK HERE >>
The ITT Conference offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for brands looking to engage with key decision-makers and influential figures in the travel industry.
From branding to networking opportunities, the ITT Conference provides a platform for sponsors to showcase their expertise and build meaningful relationships within the sector.
To discuss sponsorship in more detail, please email Paul at Paul@itt.co.uk.
At ITT, we are passionate about giving back to the incredible destinations that host our annual Conference. We understand that tourism has the power to make a lasting, positive difference, when it’s done responsibly.
That’s why we work closely with each host destination to support meaningful initiatives that benefit local communities, environments, and economies. From charitable collaborations to sustainability projects, our goal is to leave behind more than just memories—we aim to leave a legacy.
Visit our new Protecting Destinations page to see how ITT has supported previous Conference locations and learn more about the ways we’re helping to protect and uplift the places that welcome us so warmly.
The ITT Conference is already drawing an impressive line-up of industry leaders and professionals from across the travel sector.
This is your chance to join an elite group of innovators and trailblazers shaping the future of travel.
Check out the delegate list to see who’s already confirmed their place, and register now to secure your spot at this unmissable event!
This special offer is only available for ITT Members until Monday 17 February 2025.
ITT Event Pass Perks:
• Discounted tickets to five premier UK events in 2025.
• Priority complimentary access to the DebateITT events.
• Transferable between you and another ITT Member in your team.
Hurry – there are only a limited number of passes available, once they're gone, they're gone! Secure your pass NOW>>