2023 News
2023 News
Commodore Duncan Lustig - Prean to speak at ITT Conference
We're delighted to have Commodore Duncan Lustig - Prean join us at the ITT Conference in June. Duncan, a former opera singer, transitioned to a career in the Navy, later holding roles in easyJet and the Advertising Standards Authority.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in changing European and UK laws, including lifting the ban on LGBT+ military personnel in 2000.
Duncan's leadership and human rights session promises to inspire and motivate.
Well done, Ella!
We're delighted to give a special mention to Ella Dunham from Exsus Travel. Ella was awarded the Rising Star of the year Award, sponsored by ITT, at the AWTE Christmas Lunch. The award, presented by Claire Steiner, Chair of the ITT Education & Training Committee, recognises an individual who is relatively fresh to the industry and has made a significant impact.
ITT Sustainability Resource Launch
The ITT Sustainability Committee is delighted to launch a new section on the ITT website aimed at helping ITT Members develop better strategies and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. View ITT’s Top 10 Tips to help you identify what you can prioritise when starting your sustainability journey.
#ITT2024 Speaker Update
We are delighted to announce the latest speakers to join the line-up for 2024's ITT Conference: Anthony Paradiso, Vice President, MSC Cruises; Dame Irene Hays, Owner of Hays Travel; Henry Dimbleby, Co-Founder of Leon Restaurants and Brian Young, Managing Director, G Adventures. Look out for further announcements coming soon.
ITT Member Promo: Free Google Ads account audit with Summon Digital
ITT members can receive a complimentary Google Ads account audit with Summon Digital, during which a thorough assessment of activities is conducted using a comprehensive 65-point checklist.
This audit helps members identify the crucial areas in need of enhancement. To take advantage of this offer, individuals can contact Paul Henderson, using the subject line "ITT Member Free PPC Audit."
ITT Conference speaker announcement: Antonio Paradiso, Vice President, MSC Cruises
With over two decades of experience in commercial business and more than 16 years in the travel tourism industry, Antonio Paradiso brings extensive expertise to MSC Cruises as Vice President of International Sales.
He began his journey at the British Consulate in Italy and joined MSC Cruises in 2008 as a Commercial Manager for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
ITT Christmas Party, sponsored by ANA - Book your tickets now!
Following the announcement of the ITT Christmas Party, we are delighted to announce the sponsorship of this year's event with ANA, All Nippon Airways.
The ITT Christmas Party is the ideal occasion to come together with friends and industry peers before Christmas. We will return to the prestigious private members club, The Groucho Club, on Thursday 14 December at 7pm, where ITT will have exclusive use of the second floor of this wonderful venue.
Join us for an evening of networking, celebrations and festivities including carols from FourTune to help get you in the festive spirit!
ITT Future You: 7 November 2023
The flagship ITT Future You is held annually at World Travel Market London. Join us on Tuesday 7 November 2023 as we celebrate the start of fifteen years of ITT Future You.
This years’ summit will not only dive into to the opportunities within the travel industry for students, but also advise employers on engaging with students, apprentices and anyone looking to enter the travel industry. The summit will be followed by a networking event with students and industry
Read more>>
Brian Young, Managing Director, G Adventures to speak at ITT Conference
Brian Young, a seasoned traveller with over 30 years of experience, began his career as a Club 18-30 club rep at 19. Today, he's the Managing Director of G Adventures for the EMEA region. He also chairs ATAS (Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers) since 2020, representing the sector at industry events.
Dame Irene Hays to speak at the ITT Conference!
Dame Irene Hays owns the UK's largest travel agency, Hays Travel. She and her late husband, John, became 'High Street heroes' when they acquired the Thomas Cook estate in 2019, saving nearly 3,000 jobs.
#ITT2024 Speaker News
The conference sessions will feature speakers from the travel industry and beyond. Speakers are chosen for the diverse experience and insights they can share with delegates. The following speakers are confirmed, with further announcements coming soon: Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Speaker and Author; Jo Delahunty, Judge and Professor of Law; Ayesha Hazerika MBE, Broadcaster, comedian and writer and Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer, The Advantage Travel Partnership.
ITT Christmas Party - Book your tickets now!
We are delighted to announce that the annual ITT Christmas Party will return to the prestigious, private members club, The Groucho Club on Thursday 14 December, commencing at 7pm.
For the ITT Christmas Party we will take over the second floor of this wonderful Club. Join us for an evening of networking, celebrations and festivities.
Book Now >>>
World Travel Market, 6-8 Nov 2023
For over four decades, World Travel Market has been the home of the world’s travel trade. With everything you could need to know and grow in one place, WTM is the easiest, most resourceful way to get networked, saving time, money, and effort on the way. Can you afford to miss it?
Book your tickets now!>>
ITT's Halkidiki
We're thrilled to announce that the next ITT Conference will take place on 3-5 June 2024 at the exquisite Porto Carras Grand Resort in Halkidiki, Greece.
Registration is now open for ITT Members with the early bird rate of £595 available until 31 December 2023. Members who attended the 2023 Conference should look out for a very special registration offer arriving in their inbox.
Read More >>>Member Shop News: ITT Members annual multi-trip travel insurance
ASUA is delighted to once again offer ITT Members a great value annual multi-trip policy to cover both their leisure and business travel insurance needs on a worldwide basis. The policy is available to all ITT Member company staff and their immediate family and worldwide prices start from £65.56 (including IPT) for an individual member under 66 years of age and can be extended up to age 74 at an additional premium. More>>
Member Shop News: Get a 35% discount on all your photo needs
At www.robertharding.com search, explore & buy award winning travel and nature photos and videos from over 1000 professional photographers. No subscriptions necessary. From cultural heritage and nature content to amazing beach and city destinations. Our range of over one million highly curated specialist images is exceptional and will certainly enhance your websites, brochures, social media etc.ITT Odyssey Supper: Tickets available now for 21 September
Following a successful ITT Conference session, regarding the nature of the climate change challenge for the travel industry, Dr Gabrielle Walker will return to address ITT Members. The evening, sponsored by Epsilon and hosted by Lord Snape of Wednesbury at the House of Commons, will begin with a drinks reception at 19:00, followed by a delightful three-course dinner, after dinner speech and Q&A.
ITT Summer Party: Book your tickets now!
Don't miss out on the ITT Summer Party on 20 July! Secure your tickets now and get ready to reconnect with industry friends while kicking off the summer season.
We will shine a spotlight on the promising stars of the travel and tourism industry with the highly esteemed ITT Future You Awards. These Awards will honour and celebrate the diverse and talented individuals who will shape the future of our industry.
Don't let this soirée pass you by! The ITT Summer Party is always in high demand, so secure your spot now, by clicking here.
Taste the World, with National Geographic Traveller
Discover the ultimate culinary celebration at the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival on 15th and 16th July, at London's Business Design Centre, with complimentary tickets from our friends at APL Media.
Immerse yourself in the world of food and travel as famous chefs, authors and experts come together. Witness captivating live demonstrations, explore the masterclass theatres, engage with renowned authors, and indulge in the Wine & Spirits Theatre.
Don’t miss your chance to taste the world - simply use the code NGTFREE107 when booking.
Conference News: Watch ITT
With the CAA continuing to fail to level the playing field by bring Airlines into the bonding environment, is ATOL fit for purpose and how could “Micro Trusts” and “Virtual Cards” be used to provide a robust “Holiday Protection” product?
The ATOL: Fit For Purpose session is now available to view >>>
The ITT Conference was created for ITT Members and attended by senior figures from across the UK’s travel and tourism industry in Doha, June 2023.
Future You Pitch Challenge
ITT Future You has teamed up with Travel Counsellors, to launch a travel industry-first graduate scholarship programme worth £100,000 for budding entrepreneurs.
Do you want to be part of the Travel Counsellors "Future You" pitch challenge? Win one of 10 places on the Travel Counsellors Academy worth £10,000 and you will have your own travel business launched by October!
ITT Election Results
The following Board Directors have been re-elected: Claire Steiner
Barbara Kolosinska
Fiona Jeffrey
Charles Wilson
Lee Ainsworth of The Advantage Travel Partnership also joins the Board.
Steven Freudmann, Chair, ITT said " I am absolutely delighted to see Claire, Fiona, Barbara and Charles return to the board for a further two years and I am equally delighted to welcome new director, Lee Ainsworth of Advantage, to the ITT Board. I am sure that Lee will prove to be a great Ambassador for the travel agency sector that he will represent".
Barbara Kolosinska
Fiona Jeffrey
Charles Wilson
ITT's Summertime!
Catch up with industry friends at the ever-popular ITT Summer Party on 20 July, to kick start the Summer season.
Hosted by Lord Snape of Wednesbury at the House of Common’s Terrace Pavilion, the event will include delicious canapes and summer drinks. The evening will also recognise the travel and tourism industry's up and coming talent, with the presentation of the prestigious ITT Future You Awards. It’s always a sell-out, so book now to avoid disappointment!
Book now >>>
First Education and Skills working group meeting takes place
The first education and skills working group meeting took place this week (Monday 22 May) to discuss the future of further education courses in travel and tourism.
The group was established in response to the Department for Education’s update on its review of post-16 qualifications. The first meeting was used to clarify concerns raised about the future of tourism qualifications at level 3 in recent weeks, understand what the prospects are for further education in travel and tourism and agree next steps.
Does Borderless Travel Still Exist?
Samantha McKnight, Vice President of Sales, for CIBTvisas, will be speaking at the ITT Conference with her session entitled "Does Borderless Travel Still Exist". Which Latin American countries are making wholesale changes to visa rules? Which countries offer great incentives for bringing events to their market but aren't the easiest to get visas for? An awareness of the changing landscape allows for continued international growth for destinations, tour operators, events planners and business travellers alike. This session will provide insights, answers and more. Click here to register for Conference, and to learn more.
Steve Endacott - ATOL : Fit for purpose?
Steve Endacott, ITT Board Member and Travel Industry Investor, will be joining the speaker line-up in Qatar.Steve’s session is entitled "ATOL : Fit for purpose?" With the CAA continuing to fail to level the playing field by bringing airlines into the bonding environment, is ATOL fit for purpose and how could Micro Trusts and Virtual Cards be used to provide a robust Holiday Protection product?
To register for Conference and to find out more, please click here.
TTG's 30 Under 30.
Do you have ambitions to be a future leader in travel? Or are you mentoring someone who could be? TTG's 30 Under 30 is once again on the hunt for the brightest young minds in the travel industry, returning for its 11th year and looking for 30 of the highest fliers under 30, from any corner of travel. Click here to find out more and enter for free.
Clare de Bono - Travel in 2033.
Clare de Bono, Associate Director, Strategy and Transformation, and UK Country Manager, Amadeus, will be joining us in Qatar, with her session entitled, Travel in 2033.
To register for Conference and to find out more, please click here.
4 May Odyssey Supper photos.
To view our photos from last night's Odyssey Supper at the House of Commons, click here. A huge thank you to Carolyn McCall, for providing such an insightful after dinner speech for our guests. We look forward to our next Odyssey Supper on 21 September, with our guest speaker to be announced soon.
View the Conference delegate list today.
The ITT Conference is only five weeks away. Register now to join your industry colleagues at travel's blue ribband event, and to add your name to the already prestigious delegate list.Please click here to view the delegate list.
ITT Member Promo: Travel Circles Club
Travel Circles club was formed so the travel industry had a place to call home; a place to go to for meetings, attend or host events, have lunch or drinks or just kill time and check emails. The new home of the Travel Circles Club in London is the Little Ship Club, which is a hidden gem, homely and styled to make everyone feel welcome. The Club is centrally located on the north side bank of the Thames situated between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge. The nearest mainline and tube station is Cannon Street and London Bridge mainline and tube is only a ten-minute walk away. There are other underground stations nearby (Bank, Mansion House and Temple) making it easily accessible. To learn more about the club, click here. Travel Circles Club is delighted to offer ITT Members an annual membership rate of £115 + vat = £138 pp. Please click here to apply for Membership .
Garry Wilson CEO of easyJet Holidays to speak.
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays will address delegates at the ITT Conference, taking place in Qatar from 5-7 June at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha.Garry is passionate about the power of global tourism to promote major economic growth and positive social change, whilst minimising negative environmental impact. We look forward to what Garry has to say about this and more at the Conference.
To find out who else is speaking, please visit the Conference website.
The ITT Board Elections are now open.
The ITT Board Elections are now open. There are FOUR vacancies in the General category. View further information>>
Members have received their online ballot paper by email and should complete it no later than 17.30 on Friday 12 May.
Same Boat, Different Storms.
Two opposing talent acquisition challenges exist within the travel industry. On one hand, students, graduates and prospective employees want to work in travel but have difficulty connecting to industry, and on the other, industry needs to recruit but is disconnected from the talent pool. Students and industry are in the same boat, but weathering very different storms. This year’s ITT Education and Training panel session will explore ways in which the industry can bridge this gap, riding out the storm together.
To learn more about our E&T panel and to find out who else is speaking, please visit the Conference website. Conference website.
Odyssey Supper at the House of Commons - 4 May 2023.
To purchase your tickets, please click here.
ITT Conference speaker lineup.
We are pleased to announce the current lineup of industry experts and external guest speakers for this year’s ITT Conference in Qatar. The conference sessions will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, with plenty of free time available on both afternoons for informal networking. The full programme of session titles and timings will soon be available to view on the Conference website.
Register Now>>>ITT Board nominations are now open.
- Cruise - 1 place
- Domestic Tourism - 1 place
- Travel Agent - 1 place
- Tour Operator - 1place
- Tourist Board - 1 place
- General - 3 places
If you wish to be considered for nomination, download and complete the Board of Directors Nomination form and Election Template by March 31.
An invitation to network ITT style.
Join us next week on Wednesday 5 April for Network ITT at The Phoenix Arts Club – an area of the Club has been reserved for ITT from 17:00 until 19:00. These informal evenings are a great opportunity to meet with fellow travel professionals, ITT Members and to build new connections. Non-members are very welcome to attend, so please feel free to invite your colleagues to join us.
Register Now>>> These informal evenings are a great opportunity to meet with fellow travel professionals, ITT Members and to build new connections. Non-members are very welcome to attend, so please feel free to invite your colleagues to join us.
ITT Conference Welcome Party.
Non- members are welcome to attend.
Support the Walk to the Well Campaign.
The ITT SustainabilITTy Committee encourages everyone to get behind Just a Drop’s unique Twitter campaign, #WalktotheWell in aid of World Water Day.
At the heart of this amazing campaign is Ann, a 32-year-old woman with two children living in the semi-arid Kitui region in Kenya, who walks 9km each day to collect water for her family. Just a Drop – supported by Twitter – has created what is believed to be the longest Twitter thread EVER!
Learn more and make a donation>>> At the heart of this amazing campaign is Ann, a 32-year-old woman with two children living in the semi-arid Kitui region in Kenya, who walks 9km each day to collect water for her family. Just a Drop – supported by Twitter – has created what is believed to be the longest Twitter thread EVER!
Extend your stay in Qatar with Hilton Salwa Beach Resort.
Don't delay, view offer details and request your room. click here.
To register for the conference, click here.
Non- members are welcome to attend.
Hear from Dame Carolyn McCall at the May Odyssey Supper.
In a change to the regular format for the ITT Odyssey Suppers, Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, will be interviewed by Tim Hames on Thursday 4 May at the House of Commons.
The evening will be hosted by Lord Snape of Wednesbury and will commence at 19:00 with a drinks reception, followed by a three course dinner and the interview.
Register Now >>>New speaker announcement : Steve Endacott.
To register for the Conference and to learn more, click here.
Non- members are welcome to attend.
Sarah Furness, Performance Expert and best selling author to speak.
ITT Board nominations are now open.
- Cruise - 1 place
- Domestic Tourism - 1 place
- Travel Agent - 1 place
- Tour Operator - 1place
- Tourist Board - 1 place
- General - 3 places
If you wish to be considered for nomination, download and complete the Board of Directors Nomination form and Election Template by March 31.
Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal
Dr Darren Mann will join ITT in Qatar.
Dr Mann is a Consultant General and Military Surgeon with over 30 years’ experience of leading trauma surgery and crisis management teams across the globe, including war and conflict zones.
For more Conference information and to register, please visit the link below.
Industry Engagement Events in partnership with ABTA.
John Bevan, DVSP at dnata Travel to speak.
For more Conference information and to register, please visit the link below.
ITT Member benefit with Ouroboros Consulting.
Are you concerned with the standards of your third-party providers?
Do you know that you are responsible for their acts and omissions under the Package Travel directives?
This is where Ouroboros Consulting can help!
Ouroboros are delighted to offer ITT members a 10% discount on our auditing services throughout 2023.
For further details, please visit the ITT Members app.
Tim Hawkins, Chief of Staff, MAG, will join ITT in Qatar.
Tim leads the group’s corporate strategy, corporate affairs, and social responsibility functions, whilst also sitting on MAG's Executive Committee.
For more Conference information and to book, please visit the link below.
Samantha McKnight, Travel Management Expert will speak in Qatar.
Samantha McKnight, VP of Sales EMEA, CIBT, is the latest speaker to join us at this year's ITT Conference.
The ITT Conference is open to Members and non-members.
Aligi Gardenghi, will join ITT in Qatar.
A reminder that the discounted early bird registration fee will be ending tomorrow, 31 January.
Kat Lee and Jax Shaw from Family Holiday Charity to speak at this year's ITT Conference.
We're delighted to announce that Kat Lee, CEO and Jax Shaw, Director, Experiences and Impact from the Family Holiday Charity, will be joining us at the ITT Conference in Qatar.
Register now to benefit from the early bird fees available until Tuesday 31 January.
Read More >>>
An invitation to network ITT style.
Non-members are very welcome to attend, so please feel free to invite your colleagues to join us.
Errol Lawson, Founder of Emerge Leadership CIC, will join us in Qatar.
As we continue to expand our line-up of keynote speakers, we're delighted to announce that Errol Lawson, Founder of Emerge Leadership CIC , will be joining us in Qatar.
Errol weaves his leadership teaching and principles into his own story with the aim of inspiring young people, leaders and business owners to be courageous and actively make an impact in the world.
To register for the 2023 ITT Conference and to learn more about our speakers, click on the link below.
Read More >>>
Errol weaves his leadership teaching and principles into his own story with the aim of inspiring young people, leaders and business owners to be courageous and actively make an impact in the world.
To register for the 2023 ITT Conference and to learn more about our speakers, click on the link below.
Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures will join ITT in Qatar.
Founder of G Adventures and Chairman of G Travel Community, Bruce Poon Tip, will be joining us in Qatar at the 2023 ITT Conference as an keynote speaker.
Conference Website >>>
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays, takes to the ITT stage.
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays will be taking the stage at our ITT Conference, taking place in Qatar from 5-7 June at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha.Garry is passionate about the power of global tourism to promote major economic growth and positive social change, whilst minimising negative environmental impact.
Read More >>>
Garry is passionate about the power of global tourism to promote major economic growth and positive social change, whilst minimising negative environmental impact.
Jo Delahunty returns to the ITT stage; Book your discounted flights now.
We are delighted to announce that Judge Jo Delahunty KC, is returning to the stage to speak at the 2023 ITT Conference in Doha, Qatar. As our official airline sponsor, Qatar Airways is offering delegates up to 90% off economy fares and up to 40% off business class. Early bird registration fees are available until the end of January. For further details and to book, visit our conference
Conference Website >>>
News from the Future You Foundation.
Since launching the Foundation in June this year we have been delighted with the support we have received from industry. Leading organisations, individuals and associations have all voiced their support to help amplify our sectors voice to attract new talent and inspire the next generation.
Read More >>>
A Look back at 2022.
I think it’s fair to say that 2022 has been an improvement on 2021. That is not to say that 2022 hasn’t been without its challenges. As we face a Christmas plagued by rail, postal and border force strikes, the fact that demand for travel continues to grow month by month, does show what a robust and resilient industry we are.
Read More >>>