ABTA has pledged to crack down on convention delegates
organising events that clash with official functions after last year’s
shambolic welcome party in Cairo (Travel Weekly, October 28 2002).
Chief executive Ian Reynolds said ABTA has spelt out
the consequences in its Commercial Opportunities brochure, sent to all
companies likely to attend.
“We have made it very clear we don’t want events to
conflict with the published programme. We leave gaps for private events so they
don’t coincide with any business session or official event. Anyone who does so
will have their registration withdrawn. They will also be refused entry to all
sessions.”
Luton Airport held an unofficial event last year which
started during the welcome party with delegates leaving before Egyptian prime
minister Atef Ebeid rose to speak.
Meanwhile, delegate numbers are expected to hit the
2,000 mark for Palma due to an increase in sponsored agents, the proximity of
the destination and the fact fees have been frozen at £199 if booked before
September 1.
Bookings can be made at www.abtaconvention.com from
June 30. Non-members will have to pay £468. Convention prices lead in at £382,
including registration, a twin room at the Sol Antillas Barbados and flights
with Monarch from Manchester.