Abacus chooses Kota Kinabalu for 2007 Conference

Abacus International has selected Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah in East Malaysia for its 6th Abacus International Conference (AIC) from 5 - 8 September 2007.

The conference will see over 500 of Abacus’ top travel agents and partners from the 24 Asia Pacific markets gather to address the conference’s theme of ‘Inspiring Asia’.

“The theme of ‘Inspiring Asia’ reflects Abacus’s commitment to help the travel industry make the most of the region’s growth opportunities,” said Abacus President and CEO, Don Birch.

“As the Asia Pacific travel industry goes from strength-to-strength, the conference is all about positioning travel agents to lead and adapt to the change that is transforming the industry through developments such as changing customer preferences, online travel and low cost carriers,” Mr Birch added.

Plenary sessions will address topics such as the changing role of the travel agency, and delegates can then choose from a menu of seminars designed to improve the business skills and success of agencies such as developing online communities, ‘keeping up with the mobile generation’, customer relationship management and how the so-called ‘Web 2.0’ will impact travel.

For Abacus connected travel agents, the Abacus International Conference has become a valuable learning and business development fixture every two years, said Mr. Anthony Pang, Assistant General Manager of Farrington American Express Travel Services Ltd.

“When you bring together leading travel agents and the region’s leading GDS it creates a great forum to address the issues that matter to the industry – meeting the needs of travellers and keeping the travel agency sector vibrant and relevant as the industry moves through a period of profound change. The Abacus International Conference is a great time to take stock and move forward” Anthony said.

The conference will provide ample scope for delegates to improve their industry networks and exchange best practice, including an Awards dinner to recognise the best of the best. Recreational events including golf tournaments, eco-trekking and shopping tours will round out the experience for delegates and give them a taste for the region’s considerable tourism attractions.

“AIC is an excellent opportunity for the Sabah tourist industry to showcase its assets and attractions, whether it’s the amazing hinterland, major resorts housing the delegates, or luxuriant local golf-courses,” Mr Birch said.

The first AIC conference was held in Singapore 1995 as a trade event for Abacus-connected travel agents and partners. Other AICs have been held in Bali (1997), Hong Kong (2000), Thailand (2002) and China (2005).

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah located on the Northern tip of the mystical Island of Borneo, the world’s third largest island with a rugged hinterland that’s a firm favourite with nature lovers, adventure seekers and heritage fans, along with a growing number of urban attractions.

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