THERE will be the usual large north-east presence at the world’s most important oil and gas show next month in America, despite financial challenges facing the industry.
Munro’s Travel Group, of Aberdeen, said yesterday there had been strong interest from people wishing to join its trip to the annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, from May 4-7. More than 370 people are expected to be on the OTC visit organised by Munro’s and the Press and Journal.
The travel group has already filled its allocation of 350 rooms at the delegation’s HQ hotel – the Hilton Houston Post Oak – and there is now a waiting list.
Jack Burnett, Munro’s managing partner, said: “There is plenty of doom and gloom in the world’s economy at the moment, and the oil industry has not escaped this, but the size of our party is an indication of the pulling power of OTC.
“Our numbers will be slightly down on 2008, but that would be expected due to the general economic climate and oil prices being well below last summer’s record highs.
“We will have less bankers on the trip this time around – 14 compared to 31 last year – following that industry’s well publicised problems, but I am delighted to report that we will have quite a number of new companies in the delegation.
“I estimate there will be at least 20 oil service firms making their first trip to OTC and that is a good sign.”
Mr Burnett said Munro’s continued to take last-minute bookings for OTC, with places on flights and rooms in other hotels in the vicinity of the Hilton Houston Post Oak still available.
The Munro’s hotline is 01224 261865.