ABTA and the Federation of Tour Operators will come together to create one joint organisation from July 1.
They say the new organisation will be a “powerful and authoritative voice for the industry, which will more effectively represent its broad membership of travel companies”.
The FTO will maintain its identity and current membership as part of ABTA Ltd, and the FTO brand will continue to be used in relation to its activities.
The FTO will become a formal Committee of the ABTA Board.
Mark Tanzer will retain the role of chief executive officer of ABTA and Andy Cooper will retain his role and title as director general of FTO and IFTO.
Cooper will also become ABTA head of development, leading the development of strategic partnerships for the whole organisation.
Tanzer said: “FTO and ABTA have had a very close working relationship for several years in respect of policy issues, and the formal combination of the two associations will bring about operating synergies which will give us the capacity to create a stronger lobbying voice, be more effective, and save costs.
“There has been a proliferation of associations and lobbying organisations in travel and this consolidation will benefit all members.â€
Cooper added: “We are pleased to fully support the new amalgamation, one in which the FTO retains its identity and through which it continues to lead with its destination expertise on issues including health and safety, responsible tourism and crisis management.â€
The two said the new organisation would bring together the FTO’s experience and knowledge in operational issues, particularly regarding health and safety issues, crisis management and responsible tourism, with ABTA’s expertise in financial protection, consumer standards and the provision of information.
To ensure FTO issues are fully addressed and resourced, it is intended that the FTO members nominate a candidate for one of the appointed positions on the ABTA Board.
A spokesman said the joint organisation will operate from one office “as soon as it is practical to do so”.
But all staff from both organisations will be part of the new body, including the staff of The Travelife Sustainability System, which forms the most important part of FTO’s responsible tourism strategy.
*Look out for a special TravelMole Comment from Andy Cooper giving more detail of the amalgamation later today.
By Bev Fearis
