Irish Travel Agents Association conclude conference in Spain

Topics included sustainability, Artificial Intelligence and its implications for travel and developments in aviation.

The Irish Travel Agents Association’s annual conference concluded this evening at the Barceló Cabo de Gata hotel in Almería, moderated by Eoghan Corry.

The conference theme was: Relevant, Innovative, Strong, Essential (RISE), focusing on industry insights and strategies for future growth and global payment solutions affecting the Irish travel industry.

A stress-relieving mobility routine was included, alongside discussions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sustainability’s role in travel.

Key topics addressed included sustainability, artificial intelligence, its implications for travel maximising business value and airline retailing trends, with ITAA president Angela Walsh from Cork providing the opening and closing remarks.

Speakers included Fernando Giminéz from Almería Tourism, Laura Pena new director of the Spanish tourist board in Dublin who stressed trade collaboration), and Aranzazú Martín from the Andalusia government.

Discussions also covered the consumer payment side of technology, with insights from Stuart Kitching and Mark Skehill regarding payment challenges and risk profiles. On the B2B side, delegates heard from Roberto da Re of Travel Ledger. Clare de Bono discussed a newly released white paper on AI and travel issued by Amadeus.

Presenters highlighted the importance of travel agents, the impact of NDC (New Distribution Capability), and cost-saving opportunities from companies like Paxport. Major Travel announced their launch in the Irish market.

Angela Walsh concluded the event, reiterating the conference’s themes of relevance, Innovation and strength.

Clare Dunne, CEO of the ITAA said, “Today was a focussed and business like conference with many solutions on offer which the travel agents will bring back to their businesses. The conference gave a valuable insight into an underrated part of Andalucía which many were seeing for the very first time”.