| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 1 |
| Copyright: Other |
Fears for 2000 event
Crisis talks over Greece convention
ABTA is holding emergency talks with the Greek tourism chiefs amid growing concern over the convention in Kos later this year.The move comes as issues over pricing and accommodation threaten to disrupt preparations for the event.
Outgoing ABTA president Steven Freudmann said the hosts were seeking unreasonable demands and accused them of exploiting the association’s decision to award the convention to the Greek island.
“We are holding an emergency meeting to discuss various issues surrounding the convention,” said Freudmann.
“The Kos Hotel Association is trying to make demands that we achieve 90% occupancy rates in the convention hotels. If we don’t, we will have to pay the difference. We believe this is totally unreasonable.
“We can achieve 90% at the main convention hotels but it will be very difficult elsewhere. They are trying to take advantage of the situation.”
He added that deposits for hotels and the cost of sponsoring bars were excessive.
It is also believed that ABTA is growing increasingly concerned at the lack of co-operation from the tourist board which is stifling preparations.
Freudmann insisted however that problems would be ironed out.
Hellenic Tourism Organisation director Panos Argyros said he was unaware of any major problems.
“We are meeting ABTA shortly but they have not told me of any concerns they have,” he said.