BOSSES from Thomas Cook and First Choice Retail are to snub the 2006 ABTA Travel Convention because they are too busy to attend.
Thomas Cook has two employee conferences and a trip for top performing agents in November and December, making it impossible for a delegation to attend ABTA’s convention in Marbella between November 27 and 30.
It will be the first time Thomas Cook hasn’t attended an ABTA Convention.
“November is proving very busy with significant demands on the management team,” a spokeswoman said. “As a result the decision has been taken not to attend ABTA.”
In previous years Thomas Cook’s dinners have been a highlight with performances by stars including soul singer George Benson and Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley.
However, convention organiser Keith Betton claimed the company would not be missed. He said: “The industry is very big. Only chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa might be missed, but if I asked you if he was there last year or not you wouldn’t remember.”
All Leisure Group chairman and ABTA director Roger Allard added: “You wouldn’t normally expect all chief executives of the big four operators to be at a trade conference.”
First Choice Retail managing director Cheryl Powell said she was too busy to attend ABTA due to the opening of 52 shops in the run-up to Christmas and admitted there was a cost issue. UK distribution managing director Nick Longman will attend. Neither Thomas Cook nor First Choice are sending agents. Last year First Choice sent 10 agents.
So far 1,200 delegates have signed up with final numbers expected to reach 1,500.
Only 30 agents have been sponsored. Thomson and MyTravel plan to send their usual head-office delegations to Marbella.