GENESYS travel technology consultancy director Paul Richer’s recent three-day conference trip to Miami turned into a flying visit as Hurricane Floyd threatened to lash the US eastern seaboard.
Richer’s marathon trip began to go wrong as soon as he tried to check into the Fontainbleau Hilton soon after touching down at Miami International Airport following an 8hr flight from Heathrow.
Tired, drained and bleary-eyed, Richer was looking forward to a hot shower and comfortable bed, but the elements had something else on the agenda.
He was approached at check-in by a fellow delegate to be told the conference was cancelled due to the incoming Floyd.
Anite Systems’ Geoff Whitfield broke the unfortunate news to a disappointed Richer who had turned up well prepared to chair the travel technology event.
Having been told that Miami was on an emergency evacuation alert, there was no choice but to leave – but where to?
With the whole of Miami on alert, and thousands of people heading inland, Richer and Whitfield had to decide what to do.
Together with Forte’s head of distribution Catherine Rawson, the trio made a quick dash to Miami International to head back home – and against the odds secured seats to escape the hurricane.
Richer found himself on the same Virgin Atlantic plane that took him to the US and also his quickest, yet unproductive trip to the US.
“There was no mad panic, but it was an enjoyable and intriguing short visit”,said Richer.
“I was looking forward to doing some shopping out there, but the nearest I got to any shop was the airport duty-free. Pity, but there is always a next time.”
Meanwhile, Richer was not the only one to be suffer the wrath of Floyd.
One of the hard-working Backchat team was stranded in the Cayman Islands as her flight to the UK, via the Bahamas, was cancelled because Nassau airport was closed.
Backchat checked in for her flight, but was told at the departure gate the aircraft would not be taking off and was told to check out, pick up her luggage and go back to her hotel until further notice. Readers will be glad to hear she used her time constructively by doing an in depth study of the islands’ water sport facilities, beaches etc.