LONG-haul destinations came out best in a survey conducted with 600 ABTA Convention delegates who were asked to select their preferred location for the event in 2000.
Orlando was the favourite choice, but was followed closely by Dubai, Lisbon, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and the Greek islands.
ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds said:”It was surprising that so many long-haul destinations were chosen as a lot of members say they cannot spare the time out of the office and the expense – particularly as this year’s Convention is in Cairns.”
Delegates questioned were given a list of 12 locations which had expressed an interest in hosting the event.
The other destinations in order of preference were Cancun, Paris, Baradero in Cuba, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Glasgow and Delhi.
But Reynolds said there was not much difference between the number of votes for all 12 destinations.
“On a scale of 1 to 11, the first six all scored 11 while the lowest scored eight,” he said.
He said the survey was undertaken to help choose a host country for the convention.
At present, only Kos has put forward a proposal but Lisbon is expected to present one shortly.
Orlando has already been turned down due to the high cost of air fares and that the auditorium at the convention centre was unavailable for the required dates.
Paris was unsuccessful in putting forward a bid because the city is already too full.
A decision is expected to be made by the end of May.