The founders of campaign group Target – Travel Agent Reform Group Engaged Together – will meet Abta representatives next month to talk about how the association can better support and represent agents.
Target was set up during the pandemic by Jill Waite, of Pole Travel in Failsworth, Manchester, and Graeme Brett, of Westoe Travel in South Shields, to give travel agents more of a voice.
Their first in-person meeting with the association will take place early next month and the founders are asking agents to contact them about issues they want to be raised.
Brett said: “Travel has changed so much over the past two years so we want to make sure Abta is representing all its members – there are so many different ways of working, including working from home and online.
“Different members have different needs – and require different sorts of support.
“We are delighted that they have agreed to meet us. It is very positive.”
He highlighted the extra administrative burden facing agents making bookings now, as they have to help customers with more paperwork and Covid testing requirements – so bookings can take three times as long as before the pandemic.
Agents who have suggestions about topics for Target to raise with Abta can email the group on targetagents2021@gmail.com.
An Abta spokesperson said: “We engage with members through lots of different ways and are pleased to work with Jill and Graeme alongside a wider team of independent travel agents, on how Abta can continue to support and engage travel agents.
“We look forward to meeting with all the independent travel agents in December, which will be the start of our work together on this project.”
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