ABTA has unveiled its speakers for its annual Travel Matters conference, taking place on 22 June.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Amber Rudd, who served as home secretary and secretary of state for work and pensions.

Also speaking on the day will be Nikki da Costa, described by ABTA as an “influential commentator on politics, legislation and parliament”.

Da Costa, who served as director of legislative affairs at Downing Street under both Theresa May and Boris Johnson, will advise travel businesses on how to prepare for the run up to the next general election, while also offering a perspective on how the travel industry can forge a strong working relationship with the UK government.

Additional speakers include ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer; Cosmos CEO Giles Hawke; G Adventures EMEA MD Brian Young, and Travel Trade Consultancy director Martin Alcock, among others.

ABTA said the event will provide “a timely opportunity to reflect on what lessons can be learnt from the pandemic”, as well as exploring “how travel business leaders can effectively manage the shifting landscape and what the industry needs from its future relationship with the UK government”.

ABTA director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “As the travel industry continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, there are many critical challenges ahead, including rebuilding consumer confidence, attracting talent back to the industry and withstanding geopolitical turbulence.

“Constructive and regular engagement between industry and government will be required to successfully tackle these challenges.

“I’m looking forward to hearing industry leaders and political experts outline their views on the way ahead for travel at ABTA’s Travel Matters conference on 22 June.”

The association’s Travel Convention is also due to take place this year, from 10-12 October, in Marrakech.