With key legal and regulatory changes on the horizon for the travel and tourism industry, staying informed is essential for business success. At BTTS 2026, Matt Gatenby, Senior Partner at Travlaw, will outline the key legal and regulatory developments that anyone working in travel and tourism should be aware of in the next 12-24 months.
From long-awaited updates to the Package Travel Regulations to guidance on how businesses are (and should) work with AI, understanding these changes now means you can prepare effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
Matt’s session will provide a clear overview of these developments, giving attendees practical and relevant points to either reinforce existing knowledge or to act as a “to do” list going forward.
Introducing Matt Gatenby
Matt has 25 years’ experience in travel and law, and started his career at Thomas Cook within its customer services and in-house legal team. Since joining Travlaw in 2008, he has been appointed to various roles through to his current status as joint owner and Senior Partner.
Matt has, for many years, led the Commercial & Regulatory aspect of Travlaw’s work – a team highly regarded and ranked in both Chambers and Legal 500. A popular speaker, Matt is often asked to deliver training, seminars and appear on panel debates, as well as being asked for insights by the travel and wider media.
Can you tell us more about your business and what it does?
Matt: “Travlaw are a niche law firm serving only travel and leisure businesses with legal and regulatory support.”
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?
Matt: “The range of clients we work for and the types of law we engage in make every day different. The fact that we can help businesses with the challenges they face, and make a difference, is the icing on the cake.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given, and what’s your key takeaway of the year so far?
Matt: “Read it – and then read it again. Done? One more time…
Despite various local and global challenges – the desire to travel is clearly still there.”
What can visitors expect to learn from your session, and what advice would you give tour operators and group travel organisers?
Matt: “The legal and regulatory side is not always the most ‘sexy’ – but it is important, and often affects the bottom line.
My advice? Keep the legal side of things under sensible review. You do not have to know it inside out, but keeping in touch with what is going on is more than worth the time.”
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the group tourism industry, and what trends do you see for 2026 and beyond?
Matt: “There are clearly a number of challenges, and even just focusing on legal there are ever more demanding travellers, more regulation and compliance, data and AI issues and a changing profile on employment, people and HR. Having good advisors to hand is important – you may never need them, but if you do they will be there to quickly assist.
Changing demographics and demands are clearly a positive for group travel. The continued growth and demand for travel of all kinds – the numbers continue to grow.”
Stay informed about legal changes at BTTS 2026
Matt’s session on legal and regulatory changes will provide essential insights that can help travel businesses prepare for the year ahead and avoid compliance pitfalls. But that’s just one part of what BTTS 2026 has to offer.
With over 200 exhibitors showcasing destinations, attractions, accommodation, and tourism services, the show is created for you to discover new products, find inspiration for group tours, and build valuable connections.
Don’t miss the chance to hear from Matt and other industry experts on 19 March at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free today and ensure you’re prepared for the legal and regulatory landscape ahead.