Huw Merriman is MP for Bexhill and Battle and since 2015 has been a member of the transport select committee, which serves to scrutinise government and industry performance on national transport.
Merriman was elected as chair of the committee this year.
In September he called for changes to the way airline slots are allocated after the Covid-19 crisis to allow more competition and in November called out the government’s Global Travel Taskforce for the delay in its report, telling the House of Commons: “We still have not heard anything and while we cannot do anything right now, during November, there is so much negativity that we need to show real signs of opening.
“Perhaps the minister [aviation minister Robert Courts] can pass on that I would like Number 10 to ensure we get early indications of what the testing mechanism would be. Let us unlock our skies again.”
Merriman, who will open the second day of Agenda 2021, is the latest high profile speaker to join TTG’s conference, with aviation and maritime minister Robert Courts, closing day one of the conference with a live Q&A with delegates.
Agenda 2021, which is being held in association with PwC, will also see the release of an exclusive report examining consumer appetite for travel as well as unique research and insight from leaders from across travel. All delegates will receive a PDF of the report.
The event is open to all TTG+ members (readers can join from £5 a month). Alternatively, conference two-day passes can also be purchased, costing £49.
Daniel Pearce, CEO, TTG Media said: “Throughout 2020 the TTG team has worked tirelessly to support the industry through our various campaigns and coronavirus support hubs.
“Agenda 2021 is the evolution of this, made possible by the launch of TTG+ in September. We’ve been thrilled with the response to our membership scheme which has aided us in hosting events such as this and securing a fantastic array of high level speakers as well as exclusive research. Key to our events is our live elements, with Agenda 2021 the only travel trade conference enabling the industry to put questions to senior MPs. We look forward to “seeing” you there next week!”
Agenda 2021 is divided into Smarter, Better and Fairer sessions, in line with TTG’s ethos of promoting a smarter, better, fairer sessions.
The Smarter sessions will focus on exploring the exclusive research which will enable businesses to plan for 2021. The Better sessions are dedicated to providing insight and analysis of developments such as the end of the transition to ensuring firms have all the information they need to be Brexit-ready for January. Meanwhile, the Fairer sessions will examine how the sector can “build back better” as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis.
To attend Agenda 2021, join TTG+ here.
Don’t want to sign up to TTG+? Purchase a two-day conference pass here.
