The Global Travel Group is to hold its 2020 overseas conference in Dubai instead of Cancun following the collapse of Thomas Cook.
The consortium said it had booked flights to Mexico with Thomas Cook Airlines before it went into liquidation in September.
Global said its rearranged conference will take place from May 7 to May 11 next year, ahead of World Expo which is taking place in the Emirati city next year.
More than 250 members and suppliers are expected to attend Global’s conference.
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Global reveals Mexico for 2020 conference [July 19]
Commercial director Cherie Richards said: “Our original plan was to take the event to Cancun, Mexico, but the unfortunate collapse of Thomas Cook meant that our flights with Thomas Cook Airlines were lost and no other suitable direct alternatives could be found for our group.
“We know how much our members look forward to our conference and the whole team has been working around the clock to find an equally exciting destination.
“Dubai continues to be a major seller for the majority of our agent members and we are very pleased to be returning after a successful conference in 2016.
“We are taking on board the feedback we had from members then – they loved Dubai and wanted to experience even more of the destination. Staying abreast of what is available in such a dynamic destination can be a challenge, so it makes sense to return especially during such a key year for the destination.
“Being part of the larger dnata family means we have been able to leverage the power of the company and secure this Dubai booking.
“We will have direct Emirates flights from Manchester, Birmingham and London and details of our conference venue and accommodation will be released in the new year.
“I can promise plenty of fascinating speakers, thought-provoking business sessions and lots of networking opportunities.”