Thirty Four Days

Volcanic ash cancels two-thirds of events, says Eventia

Volcanic Ash from Iceland Volcano

Two-thirds of this week’s events have been cancelled or deferred due to the Icelandic volcanic ash, according to an Eventia member survey.

As airlines resume normal activity, Eventia has surveyed its members to assess the damage caused by the ash.

Two-thirds of member events were cancelled or deferred with groups on the ground being flown back to the UK via clear European airspace, then by coach and ferry.

“We are working with hotel chains, travel and ground partners to successfully find alternative routes and solutions for our clients,” said Banks Sadler operations director Karen Rice.

Eventia noted that, where events have gone ahead, they have been run with contingency plans in place, some sending staff from other parts of the world if necessary to run them.

It also said there has been an upsurge in clients turning to agencies to implement crisis and risk management processes.

“We have been working with our clients and account teams 24/7 in order to put alternative arrangements in place, including overland travel – in one case for 600 delegates returning home from a pan-European event,” said WorldEvents sales and marketing director Mark Saxby.

“All of these events have gone ahead as planned but with some modifications to programmes in response to changes in arrival and departure times in the destinations concerned,”

Eventia’s hotelier members estimate an average loss of £500-£700k per day, working with clients to be as flexible as possible with cancellation terms and conditions.

Many said that, if a client rebooks the event within 12 months, they will not apply the cancellation charges.

Izania Downie, Eventia CEO said: “The view seems to be events have been postponed where possible rather than cancelled and already rebooked for later in the year both at minimal cost and disruption to the client. Feedback indicates that all suppliers are being extremely understanding and clients are grateful for the support.

“Overall it has been a difficult time, especially with the ongoing amendments to the no-fly zone and times, but everybody has reacted very well as there was no way of planning for an event of this kind. Crisis management kicked in and delivered.”