Around 50 travel agents failed to turn up at an XL Leisure Group roadshow in Manchester because of last week’s riots by Rangers football fans.
An estimated 100,000 fans descended on the city to see the UEFA Cup final between Glasgow Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg. Forty-two people were arrested following clashes with police after an outdoor screen set-up to show the game in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens failed.
XL had been planning the promotional roadshow for 100 agents before Rangers qualified for the game – but around half still managed to attend despite the riots.
Sales manager Abbey Thomas said she found it difficult to get into Manchester city centre for the event to promote XL’s brands, including Kosmar Holidays and Medlife, to local agents.
“We could not get transport to Tiger Tiger, a nightclub and restaurant where we had booked a private room for the roadshow, which included a Take That tribute band. There were no trams and no taxis. We had 100 people booked to come and we were very impressed when 50 turned up.”