2022 News
2022 News
Christmas Opening Hours
ITT will be closed over the festive period from 17:30 on Friday 23 December to 09:00 on Tuesday 3 January.
If you need to contact ITT urgently, please email tracy@itt.co.uk or call +44 7920 299195.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ITT CommunITTy App
You can keep up to date with everything ITT by downloading the ITT Members app. Our app is a valuable membership benefit, which enables you to connect with other Members, hear about the latest news and events and purchase event tickets at the click of a button.To download, simply search ‘Institute of Travel and Tourism’ in the App or Google Play Store.
For any mislaid login details, please email the team on events@itt.co.uk and they will be happy to assist you.
ITT Christmas Party - Last chance to book your tickets!
”The ITT Christmas Party is a great opportunity to connect with industry colleagues before the end of the year, engage with new members, and also connect with our new Future You ambassadors and celebrate the Future You student awards! It’s always such a fabulous event and a real highlight in the ITT calendar” Jane Richardson, ITT Board Member.
ITT Trek - Lost Cities of Colombia
Support our incredible ITT Members as they take on a trek to the Lost Cities of Colombia in aid of Alder Hey Children's Charity. To find out more and to make a donation, please click the link below to visit the Just Giving page.
ITT Christmas Party - Last chance to book your tickets!
Join us at the prestigious, private members club, The Groucho Club on Monday 12 December, for our annual ITT Christmas party, commencing at 7 pm. The ITT Christmas Party will take over the second floor of this wonderful club and will also recognize the 2022 Future You Awards. To join us for the final get-together of 2022, filled with celebrations and festive spirit, please book your tickets now.
Train strike announcement causes change of date for the final Odyssey Supper of 2022 ; See you on 11 January 2023!
After yet another announcement of train strikes taking place on 3 November, we have re-scheduled our Odyssey Supper to 11 January 2023. This event will continue to commence at 7 pm at the House of Commons and Alan French, CEO of Thomas Cook will be joining us to deliver an after-dinner speech.
Ant Stone and Sumatra Ramakrishnan join ITT's Education & Training committee.
G Adventures Director of Marketing EMEA, Ant Stone and the University of Surrey Senior Lecturer, Sumeetra Ramakrishnan have been appointed to the Institute of Travel & Tourism’s Education & Training Committee, to support the activities of the Future You Foundation. Whilst Surrey University becomes the ITT’s 9th ‘Centre of Excellence’ university in the UK.
Read More >>>
Read More >>>
Book your tickets now for the ITT Christmas Party!
We are delighted to announce that the annual ITT Christmas Party will take place at the prestigious, private members club, The Groucho Club on Monday 12 December, commencing at 7pm.
The ITT Christmas Party will take over the second floor of this wonderful club and will also include the presentation of the 2022 Future You Awards.
Grant Shapps to partake in Q&A Session at ITT Conference.
Former Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, will be attending the Qatar ITT Conference as a keynote speaker and will also be partaking in a Q&A Session. Grant Shapps was Transport Secretary from 2019 and oversaw the government's transport policy during the pandemic.
Future You expands into Northern Ireland in partnership with Belfast Met College.
A key pillar of the Future You Foundation launch was achieved today, as Belfast Metropolitan College was announced as the host partner for the first Future You ‘On The Road’ event in Northern Ireland. The event, taking place on Friday 21 October, will see the college’s Titanic Campus welcome hundreds of travel and tourism students from across Northern Ireland, for an immersive careers in travel and tourism day.
BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner to speak at Qatar ITT Conference.
We are delighted to announce that our old friend, Frank Gardner, will be joining us as a guest speaker at our annual ITT Conference in Qatar from 5-7 June 2023 at the exceptional Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha.
See you next week at our Network ITT!
Held at the lively theatre bar at the award-winning Phoenix Arts Club, Network ITT provides the perfect opportunity to make lasting and valuable connections with individuals from across the industry. This event will be taking place on 15 September from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and is free to attend. Non- members are very welcome to join us for an evening of networking.
Register now >>.
A few words from guest speaker Alan French, ahead of ITT's final Odyssey Supper of 2022.
"Leading the revival of the famous Thomas Cook name is an honour. Join me at the upcoming ITT Odyssey supper on 15 September, to hear about how we’ve taken decades of online retail and IT experience to transform the most famous brand in travel into a digital-first online business. I will speak openly about the highs and lows of the past three years and how we want to shift how customers buy holidays to make the experience as fun as the holiday itself.”
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays announced as first guest speaker at ITT Conference 2023
We are delighted to announce Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays as the first speaker for our annual ITT Conference, taking place in Qatar from 5-7 June 2023 at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha.
Register now >>.
Early bird registration now open for the 2023 ITT Conference
Early bird registration is now open for the 2023 ITT Conference. The event will take place in Qatar from 5-7 June 2023 at the world-class Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha.
Don't Miss The Final Supper of 2022
Registration is open for the next ITT Odyssey Supper at The House of Commons on 15 September, hosted by Lord Snape of Wednesbury with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal and an after-dinner speech from Alan French, CEO of the relaunched Thomas Cook.
Travel4Impact: Deadline Extended to 9 September
Amadeus and IE University have launched the second edition of Travel4Impact, a Corporate Social Responsibility project that aims to create a network of small companies that see digitalisation and sustainability as key elements of their value proposition. Participating SMEs can benefit from training, mentoring, and networking opportunities with experts and industry leaders. The Travel4Impact selection process has been extended to 9 September 2022. More information about how to participate is available here and in this video.
ITT Conference News: Save the Date
Next year’s ITT Conference will take place in Qatar from 5-7 June 2023 at the soon-to-open Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha. This world-class hotel is on a pristine beachfront and offers everything that ITT delegates could need. The Conference will include an ideal blend of conference sessions, social activities and networking opportunities in a spectacular location.Registration and accommodation bookings will open in the Autumn and more information will be added to the Conference microsite once updated.
Tourism For Good
ITT is delighted to announce the very first issue of For Good Magazine created by Kemosabe. Formerly known as Human Magazine.
Their very first issue of For Good will be featuring and highlighting articles about businesses and people within the travel sector, who are prioritising sustainable travel. ITT encourages Members to contribute to this edition by promoting how travelling can create a positive impact on the environment, the locals and ourselves. Highlighting how travelling is; For Good.
If you would like to be featured and are interested in contributing the deadline is Friday 29th July and all articles must be submitted by Friday 26th August. More
National Geographic Traveller Food Festival - Free Tickets
National Geographic Traveller is offering ITT Members complimentary tickets to this year’s National Geographic Traveller Food Festival at the Business Design Centre in London on 16th/17th July 2022. Well-known participating chefs include Romy Gill, Jack Stein, Judy Joo, Aldo Zilli, Richard Corrigan Jay Rayner and more. There will be many fabulous food experiences and tasters throughout the day. The first 100 people that apply will receive free tickets using this link. More information can be found here.
Future You Foundation
ITT is delighted to announce the creation of the ‘Future You Foundation’, with the aim of supporting the industry to navigate staff recruitment and retention challenges.
The new foundation has opened its first crowdfunding campaign, hosted by Crowdfunder, and is seeking contributions from individuals across the industry and offering sponsorship opportunities to travel businesses.
#ITTConference Latest News
It was wonderful to come together in unique and buzzing Istanbul for the ITT Conference to connect, share insights, learn and discuss how to rebuild and drive change within the travel industry. For all of the latest news from the ITT Conference in Istanbul from our trade media partner, TTG Media, please click here.
Event Pictures >>
Password ITT2022
Four New Board Members
This year there were an amazing 19 candidates battling it out for just six places in the ITT Board election and as a result ITT is pleased to welcome four new ITT Board Members.
These new ITT Board Members are are Teresa Arnone of London Stansted Airport, Julie Murphy of ANA All Nippon Airways, Bruce Martin of Ginger Juice, Dan Pearce of TTG.
Sustainability – Putting Purpose into Practice
At the ITT Conference, Fiona Jeffery, ITT Board Member and Founder of Just a Drop will chair a session with panellists Charles Perry, a Partner at Rise and a Sustainable Business Leader; Chris Parkin, Senior Director at Hilton Worldwide Sales UK and Ireland and Lucia Rowe, Managing Director, A-ROSA River Cruises UK and Ireland. They will focus on what's required to embrace the sustainability journey including the purpose behind the ITT Sustainability Committee, how to get sustainability into a company's DNA and values, addressing decarbonisation and the journey to net-zero, challenges met and overcome and some starter tips to motivate and inspire future action.
ITT and AWTE announce new collaboration
ITT is delighted to announce a new collaboration with the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE). This new partnership will allow the two associations to work more closely together where there are common goals. This includes collaboration on existing events throughout the year, benefiting members of both associations. The boards will also be looking at new event opportunities bringing all members together, to network and share best practice. More >>
Louie Davis named ITT Future You Industry Ambassador
Louie Davis, Commercial Lead at Whitbread has been appointed as a Future You Industry Ambassador to help continue to inform and inspire the next generation of travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation professionals.
More >>
An Interview with Conference Speaker Chris Paton
Fiona Jeffery OBE, ITT Board Member, Founder and Chair of Just a drop, interviewed Chris Paton, Managing Director of Quirk Solutions, ahead of him giving an ITT Conference session sponsored by Babble. Chris gave an insight into what his conference session will focus on as well as his motivations and inspirations, key learnings from his military and corporate career and more.
ITT Conference: Antonio Paradiso
ITT welcomes Conference speaker Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director, MSC Cruises. Antonio has boosted the profile of MSC Cruises in the UK and Ireland as Managing Director, successfully launching three full ex-UK seasons from Southampton. Following the success of his second season with the launch of MSC Cruises’ latest flagship MSC Virtuosa spearheading the UK cruises’ restart after a pause of almost 15 months, Antonio has secured her return for the 2022 EX-UK season and is delighted to be leading the UK and Irish business at such an exciting time for MSC Cruises.
ITT Odyssey Supper:
Susan Hooper to speak
Hosted by Lord Snape of Wednesbury at the House of Commons on 26 May. Susan Hooper is the Chair of Tangle Teezer and Inter.Earth and sits on the Boards of Moonpig plc, EUROWAG plc, and Uber UK. She is Acting Chair of Carbon Gap and a Founding Director of Chapter Zero and is involved in several start-ups in carbon capture and sustainability. Susan is also an Ambassador for the World Travel & Tourism Council. More >>
ITT Board Elections
The Election is now open for the ITT Board of Directors. It is an indication of the strength of the Institute that once again we have a record number of candidates, with 19 candidates competing for six vacancies. Members have been emailed their ballot papers. If you have any questions, please contact admin@itt.co.uk.
More >>
ITT's new Sustainability Committee
ITT has established a new Sustainability Committee in response to the industry’s post-pandemic need to rebuild better and develop better strategies and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop travel and tourism experiences which aim to protect destinations, the natural environment and enhance local communities’ livelihoods. Members have been emailed a short PollITT to take part in to enable the committee to better understand the needs of Members.
New Corporate Partners easyJet Holidays and NEOM
ITT is delighted to announce corporate partnerships with both easyJet holidays and NEOM. Dr Steven Freudmann, Chair said “ITT is so pleased to partner with easyJet holidays and NEOM. We are looking forward to strengthening and developing these partnerships further towards achieving common goals”. More >>
In The Travel Know Podcast
The latest industry podcast ‘In The Travel Know’ from creator Jamie-Lee Abtar shares the stories of game-changing leaders in the industry as markers of possibility for future talent and an inspiration for current travel professionals. The podcast shares the latest marketing, technology and consumer insights, as well as trends and innovation in the travel and tourism market through ‘Waterfront Moments’. It drives conversation on diversity, sustainability and social issues impacting the travel industry. The podcast is supported by ITT Future You and Waterfront, the creative agency for ambitious travel brands.
ITT Conference:
Stig Williams
Stig Williams, Head of International Travel and Partnerships, Avis Budget Group, will speak at the ITT Conference. Stig oversees the team that manages partnerships with airlines, flyer programs, associations, hotels, credit card companies, travel management companies, tour operators and travel agents. He started his career with Thomas Cook in Scandinavia and joined the Avis Budget Group as National Account Manager in 2005 and has held various roles managing and increasing partnerships.
ITT Board Nominations Are Open
The ten ITT Board positions that are open for nominations in 2022 are as follows:
• Cruise – 1 place
• Education & Training – 1 place
• Hotel – 1 place• Travel Agent – 1 place
• Tour Operator – 1 place
• Transportation – 2 places
• General – 3 places
If you wish to be considered for nomination, download and complete the Board of Directors Nomination Form and Election Template by 29 April 2022.
ITT Conference: Clare de Bono
Clare de Bono, General Manager UK, and Associate Director, Amadeus Front Office Solutions will speak at the ITT Conference. Clare joined Amadeus in 2016 as Director of Product and Innovation before moving into a global role. She previously headed up a number of global STA Travel Group initiatives and the opening of STA Travel in France. She's held leadership positions including General Manager of Operations and Systems Development, General Manager of Global Air Solutions, and UK Operations Manager.
Conference News: Professor Jo Delahunty QC
Following her positive reception at previous ITT Conferences, Professor Jo Delahunty QC, Leading UK Barrister, Judge and Emeritus Professor of Law will speak in Istanbul. Jo is a family law specialist entrusted with significant national cases involving the death of children, sexual abuse, and radicalism. She is fearless in her pursuit of justice and fairness for those who don’t have a voice or are afraid to use it and is passionate about mentoring students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds.
European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 Competition
The European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023 Competition has launched. The initiative recognises outstanding achievements by European tourism cities in categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, cultural heritage and creativity. It aims to promote smart tourism in the EU, strengthen destinations, and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The competition is open to cities across the EU, and non-EU countries taking part in the COSME programme.
The Guide for Applicants >> About the initiative >> Complete Fact sheet >>
Conference News:
Dr Joanna Abeyie MBE
ITT is pleased to announce Conference speaker Dr Joanna Abeyie MBE, award-winning social impact entrepreneur, journalist, broadcaster, and champion of diversity, inclusion, and equality. Joanna has increased and retained the employment of diverse talent through challenging bias and creating inclusive hiring practices. While diversity and inclusion continues to become a wider talking point in the industry there is still huge room for change among travel teams that are often the very opposite of diverse, particularly in their ethnic makeup. Joanna will set out the practical steps travel businesses can take towards wider diversity at all levels, before joining a conversation with TTG Media's CEO Daniel Pearce.
Babble and ITT Golf Day
ITT and Babble invite you to West Hill Golf Club for a day of golf on 31 May, to connect with colleagues and raise money for the Prince's Trust and Buffalo Foundation.
There will be a networking breakfast, 18 holes of golf and premium gifts on arrival (including a Babble and ITT branded Peter Millar Golf shirt, a shoe bag, and other golfing accessories). There will also be on-course surprises, refreshments and golfing challenges such as Beat the Pro, golf drinks and meal and fundraising opportunities to raise additional money for the charities. Team Bookings are £750.00+VAT for a team of four; with all proceeds going to the Prince's Trust and Buffalo Foundation. More >>
Patricia Yates to Lead VisitBritain and VisitEngland
ITT congratulates Conference speaker Patricia Yates as she steps up as CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland in the interim when their current CEO, Sally Balcombe, steps down from 8 April. Patricia said, “I am honoured to be stepping up as CEO, continuing our focus on building back visitor spend as quickly as possible and supporting the industry, playing our part to deliver the ambitions of the UK Government’s Tourism Recovery Plan.” Speaking to ITT about the Conference, Patricia also said, “I’m delighted to be back meeting industry leaders in person at the Conference, to look to the future at how travel as ever will change and adapt.”
Ukraine Housing: Donate Now
There is a massive and increasing need for safe and secure housing for people who've been displaced from their homes since the war in Ukraine started. Martin Roberts is using his property expertise and commercial team to source and acquire suitable buildings such as disused care homes, hostels, and hotels to convert to accommodation for the women and children most in need of somewhere to live in the aftermath of the Ukrainian war. ITT encourages Members to support Martin's Crowdfunder here.
ITT Conference News: Koray Genckul
ITT Conference: Patricia Yates
Patricia Yates, Deputy CEO, VisitBritain/VisitEngland, will speak at the ITT Conference. Patricia is responsible for research, tourism affairs and communications delivering on the BTAs statutory role to advise Government and ensure tourism is considered in policymaking. Talking to ITT about the Conference, Patricia said, “I’m delighted to be back meeting industry leaders in person, to look to the future at how travel as ever will change and adapt.” Register >>
ITT Conference News: Lord Andrew Adonis
Join us at the ITT Conference to hear from Lord Andrew Adonis, a former British politician, academic, author and journalist. Lord Adonis served in the Labour Government as Transport Secretary, Minister of State for Transport, Minister for Schools, and was Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit. A regular speaker at ITT’s Conferences, he has co-authored eight books and was Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission until 2017. Register >>
ITT Conference News:
Patrice Gordon
ITT welcomes Patrice Gordon, Director of Commercial Strategy Development, Virgin Atlantic, as a Conference speaker. Patrice coordinated the airline’s interest in the Joint Venture with partners Delta, Air France & KLM, and explores further non-airline partnership opportunities. She is a qualified Executive Coach and author. She says, “I haven’t been to an ITT Conference before, so I am genuinely excited to explore, learn and connect with my fellow travel professionals in Istanbul.” More >>
ITT Conference News: Paul Smith
ITT warmly welcomes Paul Smith, Group Director of Consumers and Markets, Civil Aviation Authority, as an ITT Conference speaker.
Before joining the CAA, Paul was the Head of Policy at the Payment Services Regulator, part of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority since January 2016. He has also previously held the position of Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission and numerous senior positions with Ofgem and Ofcom.
ITT Conference News:
Jess Phillips
Jess Phillips, the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, will speak at the ITT Conference. Jess is a powerful activist for women’s rights and has written books on women in politics. Her speeches in Parliament have become headline news and with a reputation for plain speaking and calling out sexist attitudes, she is a fantastic addition to the conference speaker line-up.
ITT Conference News: Chris Paton
Chris Paton, Managing Director of Quirk Solutions, will give a conference session sponsored by Babble. Chris is a specialist in the field of gaming, transformation and change. He previously spent 18 years in the Royal Marines.
Chris said “To be chosen by ITT to give a keynote at this Conference is a genuine pleasure and my thanks go to Matthew Parker at Babble for proposing me. Many sectors have been hit hard over the last two years, but the travel sector in particular, so I am looking forward to focusing on how to break down organisational, cultural, hierarchical and behavioural barriers in order to deliver innovation and higher performance, without creating anarchy.” More >>
ITT Conference News:
Iain Hennessey
ITT Conference attendees will hear from Iain Hennessey, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Clinical Director of Innovation at Alder Hey Children’s Health Park. Iain has been driving technological advances in children's healthcare from pioneering point of care 3D printing to artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and imaging technologies. More >>
ITT Future You On The Road
The latest ITT Future You On The Road event was held in-person at Manchester Metropolitan University last week.
ITT Conference News:
Jo Potier
Following her positive reception at the ITT Conference last year, Jo Potier will speak at our 2022 Conference. Jo is Associate Director of Organisational Development and a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation with expertise in mental health, organisational culture, leadership, and staff wellbeing. More >>
ITT Conference News:
Kirsten Hughes
Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Travel Counsellors will speak at the ITT Conference. During her 27 years at Travel Counsellors Kirsten has been instrumental in growing the company to become a global leader in travel. More >>
Register by 31 January to secure the early bird registration fee.
ITT Odyssey Supper:
Gary Lewis
ITT Conference News:
Charles Perry
ITT welcomes ITT Conference speaker Charles Perry. Charles is a green entrepreneur and widely recognised sustainable business leader, with a long track record of advising blue-chip clients, such as Tesco, how to embed sustainability to deliver financial, social and environmental value. More >>
ITT Conference News:
Simon Applebaum
Simon Applebaum, Managing Director of Gold Medal Travel will speak at the ITT Conference in Istanbul this June. Simon previously held positions at Thomas Cook across the e-Commerce and specialist businesses and was Managing Director of Attraction World and Day Out With The Kids. He was also Managing Director of Spirit Healthcare, where he oversaw the launch of the award-winning CliniTouch technology that has since been deployed in the fight against Covid-19. More >>
Research Project: Help Needed
Leeds Beckett University created an ITT PhD Bursary in 2019 and recruited PhD student Hien Thu Bui to carry out a research project in 2020. Hien's research aims to evaluate the asymmetric effect of service quality attributes on tourist satisfaction with all-inclusive holidays to better understand critical issues for customer satisfaction and retention for all-inclusive holidays. It would be greatly appreciated if ITT Members can help Hien with access to database(s) of customers who have been on an all-inclusive holiday or with access to all-inclusive hotels/travel agencies who could help to distribute Hien’s online survey to their customers. The research outcomes will be shared with the Board and ITT Members. Please email h.t.bui@leedsbeckett.ac.uk if you are able to help.