International Airlines Group chief executive, Willie Walsh, is to deliver the keynote address at Abta’s Travel Matters conference on June 22.
He will join speakers from across the industry a day before the EU referendum to discuss issues facing the travel sector, including the prospect of Brexit and the state of the industry, as well as airport expansion, Air Passenger Duty and consumer confidence.
Former foreign secretary and defence secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, has been confirmed to speak on the current state of global affairs.
BBC News presenter and correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti is to moderate the conference, which carries the theme ‘confidence in a changing world’.
Other confirmed speakers include Virgin Holidays managing director Mark Anderson, Tui UK & Ireland customer operations director Fraser Ellacott, Saga tour operating division managing director Jeannette Linfoot, Silversea Cruises commercial director Lisa McAuley, InterContinental Hotels European chief operating officer Stephen McCall, Knock Travel owner Doreen McKenzie, Deloitte travel, hospitality and leisure lead partner Graham Pickett, VisitBritain strategy and communications director Patricia Yates and Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer.
Abta has also announced that it attracted 11 new members and ten new partners in the first quarter of the year.
Twelve managed branches also joined Abta in the period
The 11 newcomers to the association included one retail member, Capital Business Services.
There were five trading as dual members and five as principals joining in the three months to March 31.
The ten new Abta partners include the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. The emirate hosts the Abta Travel Convention in October, the first time the event has been held in the Middle East.
Abta chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “It is fantastic to see 11 new members and 10 new partners join us in the first part of 2016.
“We look forward to working with them and supporting them throughout the year ahead.
“Abta membership and our partner scheme offer a great range of resources which I hope they will take full advantage of.”