20 June 2007

TOURISM SOCIETY MEMBERS AMONG FIRST TO SEE 02 ARENA AT 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Tourism Society members and guests were treated to an exclusive preview of the new O2 Arena yesterday, 19 th June 2007, at the Society's 30th AGM at the new Indigo2 followed by a tour of the O2 Arena led by David Campbell FTS, President & CEO of AEG Europe.

Tourism Society fellow Sunny Crouch OBE stated 'One of the great bonuses of belonging to the Tourism Society is getting the opportunity to see what's hot and visiting places before they are 'places'; our visit to the O2 is a great example of this.'. The tour of the O2 Arena led to the Bateaux London boat the 'Symphony' which was waiting at the QEII Pier to take 100 Society members and guests on a Thames River cruise with a 3-course lunch and a series of presentations to celebrate 30 years of the Tourism Society.

Presentations during the lunch included founder members and former Chairmen of the Society reminiscing over past achievements and thoughts for the future. Presenting via video, former Chairman and founder member Victor T.C. Middleton OBE FTS stated ' I've gained hugely from my involvement with the Society; networking, friendships, professional friendships, idea sharing and an independent voice with which we can put the case for tourism against government dominance and over influence by business'.

The Society's next event entitled 'How can London best boost Britain 's Tourism' takes place on Monday 25th June at the VisitLondon boardroom. Click here for the events page.

Pictured from left hand-side: Mike Bugsgang MTS, Linda Moor, Chris Gehring, Claire Hancer MTS. From right hand-side: Bernard Donoghue MTS, Alison Cryer FTS, Susan Clarke MTS and Julia Clark MTS.