Jerusalem to host The Travel Network Group conference

Jerusalem will host the Travel Network Group’s 2020 conference in November 2020.

Delegates will stay at two five-star hotels, The David Citadel and The Mamilla, both located in the heart of the city and only a short walk from the Old City Walls and Jaffa Gate. The conference events will be held in the David Citadel.

A spokeswoman said prices for the four-day conference, starting on November 22, would be in line with last year.

TTNG CEO Gary Lewis said: "We are absolutely delighted that Jerusalem will host our 2020 Group conference. It’s a city unlike any other and you have to see it to believe it. Whilst it is one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that dates back to the 4th millennium today it is a modern, contemporary, vibrant and progressive destination. It literally is stunning on every level and will provide us with the perfect backdrop for our next conference."

Lewis said that he was ‘bowled-over’ by all it has to offer as a conference destination and said that the cuisine, architecture, history and dynamism makes it a ‘must see’ destination. He added that
it is also a city that is becoming increasingly accessible from the UK since Virgin Atlantic launched flights from London.

He said: "The feedback from members who joined us in Budapest earlier this year for our ‘Beyond the Expected’ conference was incredibly positive and we always knew that it would be a challenge to find a destination that could top what Budapest offered – but in Jerusalem we feel that we have a city that meets all our criteria and more, and one that many members will be keen to experience."

More information will be revealed early in the New Year with delegates given the option of a 3-night and 4-night packages and Business Partner sponsorship packages will also be available from January 2020.

The tourist board is supporting TTNG to ensure costs remain affordable to members, said Lewis.

"We are grateful to the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Jerusalem Tourist Board for helping us make Jerusalem work for our next Group conference," he said. "The teams there are extremely excited to host our members and see it as a wonderful opportunity to showcase this destination to such an important audience."

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Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, Director, Israel Government tourist office said: ”The Israel Ministry of Tourism is thrilled to host The Travel Network Group’s annual conference in November 2020. We are happy to confirm that the conference will take place in the city of Jerusalem, where guests will be able to experience the historical splendour, alongside the vibrant culture and fantastic cuisine. We look forward to showcasing our unique and beautiful city to the wonderful group of travel professionals that belong to The Travel Network Group."

Lewis said he was expecting around 500 delegates, more than 300 of whom will be TTNG members.

Addressing the issue of security, he added: "One of the reasons we want to take members to Jerusalem is to dispel the myth regarding safety. It’s a multi-cultural city, modern but with a fantastic historical area. It feels incredibly safer and yes, you seem armed policemen, but you see police in London.

"Security is a question that will be and should be asked, but one of the reasons we take members to new destinations is to help them answer these questions when selling."

Further details of the conference will be announced in due course.