Leading industry figures to speak at Hays Travel IG conference

Steve Heapy, Andy Harmer and Zina Bencheikh to be quizzed by TV presenter Steph McGovern

Leading industry figures to speak at Hays Travel IG conference

A trio of leading industry figures have been announced as speakers for this year’s Hays Independence Group (IG) conference.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, Andy Harmer, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), and Zina Bencheikh, board member of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) and managing director EMEA of Intrepid Travel, will attend the event in Tenerife next month.

The speakers – who between them can discuss the tour operating, cruise and experiential travel sectors – will join journalist and TV presenter Steph McGovern for an afternoon of panel interviews and presentations.

Hays Travel owner Irene Hays said: “We are delighted to have such a fantastic line-up of speakers on the agenda for this year’s Independence Group conference. The combined expert knowledge will make for an extremely informative session.

“Steve and Andy will bring their insights of post-pandemic travel from the perspective of both land and sea, while Zina will be speaking about the rise of experiential travel and sustainability.”

The conference is from March 25 to March 28 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife.

More than 30 suppliers are joining 90 delegates from the Hays Travel IG Group and support team for the event.