The World of Accor hotel expo in Sydney has proved that consumer sentiment for travel is still high, with a record number of travel agents, wholesalers, event organisers and travel industry specialists attending.
More than 1109 tourism types registered for the event, with one happy delegate, Christie-Lee Lachance from Specialist Holidays even winning a shiny new red Peugeot 207 Convertible worth almost $40,000.
Other prizes on the day included a holiday to Thailand flying Thai Airways and staying at Accor hotels, and a host of accommodation packages at Accor hotels across the Asia Pacific region.
Simon McGrath, Vice President of Accor Asia Pacific said that despite economic gloom and doom pervading the news, there was great optimism amongst those in the room.
“The mood of the tourism sector, judging by the comments of corporate bookers, agents and wholesalers we spoke to, is very positive for the second half of the year and I hope that the latest news out of America will not dampen this,” he said.
Hosted by television personalities Larry Emdur and Melissa Doyle, the day also saw endless entertainment, great food and excellent wines by Robert Oatley consumed.
The event was held as Accor celebrates its 20th year in Australia and was part of a series of World of Accor events across the region.