COVID-19 crisis forces cancellation of more major events.
Flight Centre MD Graham Turner has confirmed that the company’s 2020 Global Gathering, scheduled to take place in Brisbane this coming July, has been cancelled.
In a video circulated to Flight Centre staff, Turner cited the ongoing impact of the coronavirus on the company’s business.
“Unfortunately one of the consequences is that we have to cancel this year’s Global Gathering, an event which has been running annually for well over 30 years,” he said.
“It’s not something we did lightly, but it’s just inevitable; a lot of our suppliers are really struggling. We know we’ve got to help them, as well as take the costs out of our business as well,” Turner added.
MEANWHILE Tourism Australia has also just confirmed that this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will not take place.
Due to take place in Melbourne in May 2020, the decision follows this morning’s announcement by the Prime Minister banning non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.
“Whilst the decision to cancel this year’s ATE is obviously very disappointing, and a further blow to our industry, the health and welfare of attendees has to be our primary concern,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison.
She confirmed that all buyer and seller delegates would be provided with a full refund of registration fees, while the details of ATE21 will be announced shortly, including venue and dates.
More details in Travel Daily tomorrow.