DELEGATES who have been to an ABTA convention before will know only too well that socialising plays a central role in proceedings.
Travel Weekly will once again be throwing its weight behind the events and helping to ensure that Cairns ’99 goes with a swing. Follows a list of some events not to be missed.
JMC SPORTS BAR
Travel Weekly is joining forces with JMC to co-sponsor the Sports Bar in Spence Street, slap bang in the centre of Cairns and one of the liveliest in town.
It will be open Thursday to Sunday with live music and dancing until 3am. Although the bar will be open as usual to the public, there is a cordoned off area for delegates.
AIRTOURS BAR
Co-sponsored with Travel Weekly, this watering hole is situated in the Palm Court Lounge at The Hilton and is open from 4pm-7pm Friday to Sunday and from 1pm onwards on Monday.
Live music will be provided by local Aussie band Fun Jungle. A terrace overlooks the Trinity Wharf inlet where delegates will depart for the welcome party.
ABTA NIGHTSPOTS
On Friday and Saturday, revellers can experience a touch of New York at the 1936 club beneath the Reef Hotel Casino. The club, sponsored again by Travel Weekly, is a recreation of the Big Apple in the 1930s and is reckoned to be the most stylish ABTA venue in years. It is open 11pm to 3am.
On Sunday, Travel Weekly join Bristol International Airport in sponsoring The Playpen nightclub where Abba tribute band Fabba Mania are on stage. On the final evening British Midland joins us in hosting the same venue, this time featuring Crazy Ape who also appeared in Marbella.
SPORTING EVENTS
Wet and Moisty, Zig Zag and The Staircase are sections of the Tully River that stand in the way of those on Thursday’s white-water rafting trip, co-sponsored by Forte and Travel Weekly. A riverside barbecue lunch is included.
On Friday, Travel Weekly join the Portuguese National Tourist Office, Carvela Tours, Avis and Tap Air Portugal in hosting the 12th Sportugal tennis tournament. In addition we are sponsoring a hole at the ABTA Irish Open golf tournament. Both events take place at Paradise Palms.
LUNCHES
The winners of the tennis tournament will be presented with their prize at a lunch at the Radisson Plaza Hotel on Monday. On the same day, Travel Weekly hosts its traditional Travel Industry Lunch in conjunction with Holiday Autos. It takes place at The Hilton.
AND FINALLYÉ
Look out for the Travel Weekly promotional team who will be on the prowl and armed with Polaroid cameras. But don’t worry, the photos won’t appear in the newspaper but will be presented to delegates as a souvenir of Cairns.
Industry luminaries give their tips on surviving and gaining from the conference:
“Follow my example by going to bed no later than 10pm staying off the alcohol. It’s the only way.”
John Wimbleton,First Choice
“Don’t be afraid to ask someone with an invitation to a function to take you along. Nine times out of 10 they’ll let you in. Also study the trade papers for a week and memorise the names and faces of the important people. When you greet them by their first name they’ll presume they know you and have a chat.”
Jane Dunham, Cosmos
“Whatever happens, stay out of the Irish bar. Don’t kid yourself that you’ll only pop in for one drink. It just doesn’t happen. Also, don’t take anything out that you are not prepared to lose.”
Andrew Williams,Going Places
“Stitch your hotel name into the back of your clothing so someone can drop you off when you slip down the wall at four in the morning. Also ensure you have your photo taken while holding a pen to counter suggestions you did nothing but party.”
Maureen Hill,Wessex World Travel
“Take a cardboard cut-out of yourself, discreetly place it in the conference hall and then go for nap. Alternatively, wear the joke glasses with false eyes so people presume you’re wide awake during business sessions.”
Sam Calvert, Cosmos
“Use moderation”
Lesley Armishaw,Haxby Travel