ABTA Ltd – the new name for the Association of British Travel Agents?

ABTA’s board of directors will be halved in size and the name changed from the Association of British Travel Agents to ABTA Limited under shake-up plans unveiled today (Thursday).

The current 18 directors would be cut down to nine, including one non-ABTA member, under the proposals which will be put to a members’ vote at and EGM on April 3.

Association bosses claim the planned restructuring is needed to enable the organisation to be “fully representative of the travel industry today and in the future”.

Under the suggested changes, membership categories would change from ‘travel agent’ and ‘tour operator’, to ‘agents’ and ‘principals’.

“Existing travel companies have changed their business models so that the lines between tour operator and travel agent have become blurred, while new start-up companies entering the market do not necessarily fit into the old categories of ABTA membership,” a statement said.

The name change has been put forward due to the strength of the ABTA brand.

“Consumers want to be able to recognise companies that have reached the highest standards and offer a quality service, while ABTA members want an association that actively promotes the benefits of booking with them,” the statement said. “The Association has for many years represented tour operators as well as travel agents.”

Founded in 1950, ABTA has 1,600 members with 6,300 outlets.

In a letter to members, ABTA president Justin Fleming said: “At the same time as these changes in competition, the travel industry as a whole is facing very considerable challenges from government and from lobby groups, both at the domestic and European level. Issues such as consumer protection, health and safety, and the environment are crucial to the long term viability of the industry, but threaten members with ever rising regulatory and tax burdens.

“The need for a strong trade association has never been greater. With new entrants into the market, consumers are looking for an association to recognise and endorse quality travel organisers, and to maintain standards; Members are looking for an association that actively promotes to consumers the benefit of dealing with ABTA members.

“Members are looking for an association that can lobby effectively to keep red tape to a minimum.”

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The travel industry has been going through a period of revolution and reformation.

“The internet and no frills carriers have radically changed travel patterns and the way travel is organised and sold. ABTA has been the lead travel trade association for over 50 years because it has always responded to the dynamism of its members.

“The changes the board is proposing now are needed if ABTA is to be the powerhouse of the UK travel industry.”

He added: “The Code of Conduct, financial protection services and its brand will continue to be the bedrock of ABTA in the future.

“The proposed changes will deliver an association that will provide a real, positive impact on members’ businesses, while providing the maximum value for money from their subscriptions. The ABTA board strongly recommends the proposed changes to create an excellent association for the future.”

In other changes, the president would be elected by the all members, rather than by the board. The ABTA president would be nominated and seconded by board members.

The Council of Regions would be elected from the entire membership, retail members and principal members with no turnover restriction.  The Council of Regions would also be chaired by the president with the vice-chairman appointed by the Council of Regions from its own number.

by Phil Davies