Madeira to host the ABTA Travel Convention 2026
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dhewitt@abta.co.uk Wed, 10/08/2025 - 09:14
ABTA’s Travel Convention will head to Funchal, Madeira in 2026 – the first time the island has hosted the travel industry’s flagship event.
The announcement was made today in Calvià, Mallorca at the end of the ABTA’s 2025 Travel Convention.
Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a subtropical climate and features rugged mountains, lush forests and beautiful coastlines. It has much to offer visitors including a rich history and culture, with a string of activities available, especially for the more adventurous.
The Convention will take place at the 5-star Savoy Palace Hotel in Funchal, with delegates also staying at the Next by Savoy Signature, just minutes away from the Convention hotel.
The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, which is about 20 minutes from the hotel.
The date of the Convention is 12-14 October 2026, and industry colleagues are advised to save the date in their diaries, ahead of registration launching early next year.
The event will be hosted by Visit Portugal and Visit Madeira.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“We’re thrilled to be taking ABTA’s annual Convention to Madeira in 2026. Whilst we’ve had the pleasure of holding the Convention in other parts of Portugal – Lisbon in 2001 and The Azores in 2017 – this is the first time we’ll be heading to Madeira, for what promises to be a standout event.
“The island has such a diverse offering for UK holidaymakers – with something for all ages. The climate means it is a great place to visit all year-round. This makes it appealing to the UK market, particularly given more and more people are travelling throughout the seasons, not just in peak season. We’re pleased to be able to use the Convention to celebrate and showcase all it has to offer.”
Carlos Abade, President, Visit Portugal said:
“We are delighted to welcome ABTA’s Conference to Madeira. With its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Madeira embodies the very best of Portugal. The UK remains one of our most important tourism markets, and we greatly value the strong and long-standing relationship between our two countries. Hosting ABTA in Portugal is a unique opportunity to further strengthen these ties and to showcase our continued commitment to providing UK travellers with truly unforgettable experiences.”
Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture of Madeira said:
“We are deeply honoured that Madeira has been chosen as the host destination for the ABTA Convention in 2026. This is not only a recognition of our island’s quality and excellence as a tourism destination, but also a tribute to the long and historic relationship that unites Madeira and the United Kingdom.
“For centuries, our ties have been built on trust, friendship, and mutual benefit. Today, this connection remains as strong as ever, with the UK continuing to be one of our most important source markets, playing a central role in the success of our tourism sector.
“Hosting ABTA’s flagship event is both a privilege and a responsibility. We look forward to welcoming the leaders of the British travel industry to experience, once again, the authenticity, sustainability, and warmth that define Madeira. We are confident this convention will mark another milestone in strengthening the enduring bond between our Region and the United Kingdom.”
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with 4000 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Wed, 10/08/2025 - 09:14
ABTA’s Travel Convention will head to Funchal, Madeira in 2026 – the first time the island has hosted the travel industry’s flagship event.
The announcement was made today in Calvià, Mallorca at the end of the ABTA’s 2025 Travel Convention.
Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a subtropical climate and features rugged mountains, lush forests and beautiful coastlines. It has much to offer visitors including a rich history and culture, with a string of activities available, especially for the more adventurous.
The Convention will take place at the 5-star Savoy Palace Hotel in Funchal, with delegates also staying at the Next by Savoy Signature, just minutes away from the Convention hotel.
The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, which is about 20 minutes from the hotel.
The date of the Convention is 12-14 October 2026, and industry colleagues are advised to save the date in their diaries, ahead of registration launching early next year.
The event will be hosted by Visit Portugal and Visit Madeira.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“We’re thrilled to be taking ABTA’s annual Convention to Madeira in 2026. Whilst we’ve had the pleasure of holding the Convention in other parts of Portugal – Lisbon in 2001 and The Azores in 2017 – this is the first time we’ll be heading to Madeira, for what promises to be a standout event.
“The island has such a diverse offering for UK holidaymakers – with something for all ages. The climate means it is a great place to visit all year-round. This makes it appealing to the UK market, particularly given more and more people are travelling throughout the seasons, not just in peak season. We’re pleased to be able to use the Convention to celebrate and showcase all it has to offer.”
Carlos Abade, President, Visit Portugal said:
“We are delighted to welcome ABTA’s Conference to Madeira. With its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Madeira embodies the very best of Portugal. The UK remains one of our most important tourism markets, and we greatly value the strong and long-standing relationship between our two countries. Hosting ABTA in Portugal is a unique opportunity to further strengthen these ties and to showcase our continued commitment to providing UK travellers with truly unforgettable experiences.”
Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture of Madeira said:
“We are deeply honoured that Madeira has been chosen as the host destination for the ABTA Convention in 2026. This is not only a recognition of our island’s quality and excellence as a tourism destination, but also a tribute to the long and historic relationship that unites Madeira and the United Kingdom.
“For centuries, our ties have been built on trust, friendship, and mutual benefit. Today, this connection remains as strong as ever, with the UK continuing to be one of our most important source markets, playing a central role in the success of our tourism sector.
“Hosting ABTA’s flagship event is both a privilege and a responsibility. We look forward to welcoming the leaders of the British travel industry to experience, once again, the authenticity, sustainability, and warmth that define Madeira. We are confident this convention will mark another milestone in strengthening the enduring bond between our Region and the United Kingdom.”
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with 4000 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
