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ABTA and FTO shelve merger
ABTA and the Federation of Tour Operators have shelved plans to merge – but insisted it is still likely to happen.
In a joint statement, the organisations said they “remain convinced of the compelling logic” of a merger but that more time is needed.
It is believed the practicalities of integrating the bodies is proving more complex than originally thought. Talks will resume later in the year.
ABTA president Martin Wellings added: “Although talks are taking longer than we expected we believe the outcome will be worthwhile. We are already achieving benefits from our joint lobbying efforts and are making progress towards significant savings as a result of combined bonding arrangements.”
FTO chairman Ian Ailles said: “We stand prepared to work afresh to reach agreement to work closer together and then getting down to the considerable detail required to make it happen.”
Report by Steve Jones
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