The Travel Convention in Barcelona had a record number of attendees this year – however out of the 1000 delegates approximately 200 were agents – so is it of benefit and was it any good – or is it a bit of a jolly?

From a business perspective we don’t do things by half’s and did our usual meet and greet airport duties on the Monday and Tuesday – 27 hours at the airport with my colleague “our Damo” (although he did a quick exit as he was coaching the C & M football team). Barcelona airport is vast and we were split between two terminals – however all went according to plan and it gave us some time with our excellent ground handling staff. Not only did we meet and greet at the airport but had a 6.30 start to meet Shaun Hinds and the CTTG team that had reduced their carbon foot print by travelling all the way from the Midlands by train.

Our local taxi and coach drivers we worked with were fantastic and did a great job of showing the wonderful city of Barcelona off to its full potential.

Some of the business sessions were very good the 30 minute MBA stood out and of course Travel in 2023 was an eye opener. The networking session was not as busy as previous years and perhaps diluted with having the cruise and luxury conference at the same time, however we did see who we wanted to catch up with.

A lot of meetings and networking sessions  happen out with the main event and my view is you only get out of these events what you put into them – so from a Holidaytaxis.com perspective we did have a very beneficial conference.

The Spanish Tourist board and our hosts in Barcelona put on some great events and did a great job of hosting the event as always.

For the cost of hotels and also some of the other peripheral costs perhaps ABTA need to review these areas as the main delegate hotels were very over priced and at times charging premiums for certain items.

This is the major event in  the Travel Calendar and it is a beneficial event, however looking forward we need to encourage more agents that it is of value – and look at giving delegates and all attendees more relevant sessions and bang for their buck.      

Off on my hols for a few weeks now so catch you in November.

Regards

Chris