The two candidates running for the role of ABTA chairman have revealed their key campaign messages in exclusive videos for Travel Weekly:
Advantage chief executive John McEwan said balancing the needs of travel agent and tour operator members is “critical” to ABTA’s future. Lobbying the government on issues such as Air Passenger Duty and raising ABTA’s profile at ministerial level are also priorities for McEwan.
One of the toughest challenges will be creating a “feeling of togetherness”, he said.
As the owner of Britaly Travel in Peterborough, rival Daniele Broccoli said he is well-equipped to represent the views of independent agents.
“I think this is the perfect time for an independent agent to become chairman of ABTA. I have been a travel agent for 25 years. I work on the front line, so I can push the views of the small agent,” he said.
Lobbying government from the ground up is the way forward, Broccoli said, urging agents to get in touch with their local MPs.
A total of 1,380 ABTA members will have the chance to vote for their preferred candidate. TUI UK, Cosmos and Virgin Holidays have already pledged their support for McEwan.