ABTA has announced that Tokyo, Japan will be the destination for the 2019 Travel Convention.
The convention will take place from October 7-9 at Prince Hotels & Resorts, Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, which is directly connected to the International Convention Centre Pamir. The business sessions will be held at the Convention Centre and all ABTA delegates will stay at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa. The hotel is centrally located in Tokyo with direct access to Haneda International Airport, Shinkansen (Bullet Train) rail lines and only a few minutes? walk from Shinagawa Station ? one of the largest in Tokyo.
During their visit, delegates will get to experience a taste of Tokyo?s unique blend of traditional and modern culture, from neon-lit signs and skyscrapers to historic temples that Japan is so well known for. Japan will be hosting a number of major international sporting events over the coming two years, including the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. The Rugby World Cup will take place throughout Japan during the Travel Convention, providing extra opportunities for ABTA Members to explore Japan?s regions.
The Japanese National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), ANA - All Nippon Airways and Prince Hotels & Resorts will be the host partners for the convention.
Delegates will be able to travel directly and indirectly to Tokyo from a number of UK airports on services operated by ANA, with direct economy flights starting from ?599 and indirect economy flights starting from ?449.
The announcement was made today in Seville at the close of the 2018 Travel Convention. Registrations will open early next year, however as demand is expected to be high, delegates can reserve a place via the Travel Convention website from 09:00 tomorrow (October 11). This will guarantee the 2018 Early Bird Registration fee and a two-week priority booking period with ANA when flight reservations open.
Mark Tanzer, the travel association?s chief executive, said: ?I am delighted that Tokyo will be hosting the 2019 Travel Convention. With British holidaymakers showing an increasing interest in visiting Japan, the convention will provide a great opportunity to show travel professionals all that it has to offer ? from its incredible cuisine, beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture to its super speed trains and illuminated sky scrapers. This will be the first time we have hosted a convention in Eastern Asia and with a number of exciting events coming up in the next couple of years, now is the perfect time to visit. I?d like to thank all the hosts for making this opportunity possible and would encourage delegates to reserve a place as soon as they can.?
Satoshi Seino, President of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), added: ?JNTO is honoured that ABTA has selected Tokyo as the host destination for the 2019 Travel Convention. The number of annual visitors from the UK to Japan has more than doubled since 2011, a testament to the appeal of Japanese culture to British people, as well as the diversity of activities available to tourists and the strength of our tourism infrastructure. I hope that ABTA delegates will use this as an opportunity to explore the charms of Japan?s regional cities and am confident that your experiences at the convention in Tokyo will advance your success at home.?
