ABTA today announced that the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, will deliver the keynote address at Travel Matters on 26 June 2013.  Now in its fourth year, this invitation-only conference will offer delegates a unique opportunity to hear from, and engage with an outstanding line-up of speakers from Government and the industry.

Delegates at Travel Matters 2013, taking place at Millbank Media Centre in Westminster, will discuss and debate aviation capacity, the competitiveness of the UK’s travel and tourism sector, tourism’s Olympic legacy, and the opportunities, challenges and barriers to inspiring business and consumer confidence, under the theme “An Agenda for Growth”.

The Secretary of State will speak alongside ABTA’s Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer, and there will be an industry perspective keynote from Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Travel Matters brings together industry leaders, influencers and policy makers to provide a forum where they can debate on and influence current policy matters.  Delegates are invited from all sectors of the travel industry, including senior representatives from ABTA’s Membership, Government departments and industry stakeholders.

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State is joining us at Travel Matters. This fantastic event allows the industry to come together and debate key policy issues. Our theme “An Agenda for Growth” will inspire discussion around issues central to the travel industry at the moment and will provide a timely opportunity for debate.”