With the aim of "bettering the situation here in Menorca" the recently-formed ABC Menorca has organised two events, a networking breakfast and a business fair, to strengthen the bonds between its associates (companies run by the British or whose clientele is primarily English-speaking) and Menorcan businesses in order to boost tourism on the island.
Networking Breakfast
The networking breakfast will be held this Thursday, 15th April, in Can Pep Restaurant, Plaza de la Biosfera, Maó, starting at 1000 hrs. As of Sunday there were twenty applicants registered to give a short presentation, following which all those attending will have the opportunity for a brief chat with other participants. Not restricted to members, the meeting is open to everyone but anyone wishing to give a presentation will have to give prior notice.
Business Fair
The business fair organised by the association will take place in the Recinto Ferial, Es Mercadal, on 14th and 15th May and, again, will be open to the general public. There will be some 50 stands, run by ABC members in the main, where information will be available on the services or products offered by the company in question.
Boosting Tourism
Jake Burdess, Vice President of ABC Menorca, is quick to stress that the association is not political and that the aim is to encourage collaboration between businesses and authorities, to their mutual benefit, as well as to interrelate the various tourist products and services available on the island, such as rural hotels, car and bicycle hire and activities such as rambling, horse riding or sailing, so that information better reaches the final consumer and attracts quality tourism.
He explained that the problem is in understanding the British mentality and knowing how to promote the island in an effective and acceptable way to the public in the U.K. This is an area where the British here can help and offer advice.
ABC's President, Colin Guanaria, drew attention to a large section of the U.K. public with a high spending power, the senior citizens. This group is interested in holidays that go beyond sun and beach and in activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year, such as trekking, sailing, gastronomy or history. In order to reach this sector and promote Menorca, he explained that ABC could incorporate members from abroad, such as travel agencies, publicity companies or journalists from specialised publications. Secretary Wendy Mitchell recalled that there had been private initiatives in this vein before the foundation of ABC, adding that the association could now co-ordinate these efforts.
General Meeting
There will be a general meeting of the ABC Menorca Association in the offices of CAEB on the Maó Industrial Estate next Tuesday, 20th April, starting at 1700 hrs. The meeting will be open to everyone.