Tanzer said the convention in Tokyo over 7-9 October would be the perfect forum to discuss the ramifications for the travel sector of the collapse of Thomas Cook.
“Next week, the annual Abta Travel Convention will be taking place,” said Tanzer.
“This has for many years been the place where the industry comes together to discuss the current business climate, and issues.
“No issue is more pressing than last week’s failure [of Thomas Cook], and I know that delegates at the convention will be very mindful of the anxiety and difficulties being experienced at home.”
Tanzer said the impact of Cook’s failure had been “very harsh”, and was continuing to be “strongly felt” by customers, former employees and suppliers, many of whom are Abta members.
“The greatest pain will be felt by Thomas Cook staff who suddenly find themselves without employment,” said Tanzer.
“It is at times like this the industry really should, and can, pull together to minimise pain caused by a company failure.
“Abta’s LifeLine charity is already in touch with ex-Thomas Cook staff to help provide short-term support for those in need, and I know other travel companies are looking to pick up Thomas Cook staff with their undoubted skills and experience.”
The assurances from Abta come following the announcements that the Hays Travel Independence Group conference in Turkey and Midcounties’ retail managers conference in the Algarve next month had both been cancelled owing to the collapse of Cook.
