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ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzier on the tie-up with the FTO
TravelMole Guest Comment
You won’t be surprised to know that I’m delighted that ABTA will finally be amalgamating with the FTO, bringing together two of the most important travel industry bodies to form a force to be reckoned with!
I believe that a ‘merger’ between ABTA and FTO has been on the cards for several years – long before I took up my post at ABTA.
The two organisations have different strengths – the FTO with its operational roles particularly in destination management, health and safety, crisis management and responsible tourism complement ABTA’s roles in financial protection, consumer standards and the provision of information.
It was important that none of these functions were lost and the new structure ensures the FTO brand, service to its members and staff will be retained.
But importantly, the main reason for the move was to create a more powerful organisation that has a stronger voice to lobby with, more fully represents the whole industry and provides an even better service to all its members.
As well as continuing in his roles as director general of the FTO and IFTO, Andy Cooper will also be taking up an important strategic role that will position ABTA to be in the best place to serve its members in the future.
Obviously we will be letting you know about those plans as they develop!
*Comment from Andy Cooper to appear later today on www.TravelMole.com
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