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ABTA ends doubts over Palma for 2003 event
ABTA has confirmed that its 2003 Convention will be held in Palma, Mallorca.
The announcement follows reports that ABTA could ditch Palma – which traditionally hosts the event every 10 years – due to high hotel prices and the controversial Balearic Islands eco-tax.
The Convention will take place from Friday 31 October to Monday 3 November.
ABTA said that it has been working with Turespana over the past few months to secure the Palma Auditorium for the business sessions and a range of four and five star accommodation in and around the city. ABTA has also arranged flights with Iberia and GB Airways and is still negotiating with other airlines for more seats and charter options from regional airports.
Commenting on the announcement ABTA President Stephen Bath said: “ABTA has held its annual Convention in Palma every ten years since 1973 and we are delighted to continue the Mallorcan tradition. It is the number one favourite destination with British holidaymakers and our Members spend a significant amount of time sending clients to this beautiful and friendly island. As a result, the Palma Convention is always an extremely popular choice with delegates.”
ABTA Convention co-ordinator Keith Betton said: “No other destination has hosted our Convention four times! Palma is an ideal venue for us – combining good conference facilities and hotels together with golf courses and evening venues. The ABTA Convention is the largest conference of its type in Europe and we are hoping that at least 1800 delegates will attend.”
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