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Tanzer claims association has vital role to play
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer gave a passionate defence of the association in his opening speech, arguing that it has a future as a lobbying force, a trade body for members and a consumer brand that holidaymakers could trust.
Tanzer admitted ABTA was at a turning point and people had the right to ask what the association was there for.
“We are a lobbying force. We believe financial protection is important and the arguments for a consumer levy to protect holidaymakers are the same as they were last year,” he said.
“We also give members the tools of the trade so that retailers can trade with operators. But the most important thing is that consumer confidence in the ABTA brand is high. There is 90% recognition of the ABTA brand and it is one that people feel well disposed to.”
Tanzer said the annual convention was also a vital meeting place for members of the industry.
“It is important and we are proud to be organizing it. We need open debate on the issues because we don’t have all the answers. There are different arguments that should be heard but then we need to go forward with one voice, because we are seen as a disparate body.”
Tanzer said the revolution in the travel industry, with the number of people buying no frills flights and holidays over the internet, was “fantastic”, but added that there were some downsides.
“The advent of tailor-made holidays has led to some changes that I am less happy with. There is an increasing focus on price as the basis of competition and the regulatory framework hasn’t kept pace.”
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
Jeremy Skidmore
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