ABTA will need to expand its membership criteria and continue to promote its standards to stay relevant to consumers, outgoing chief executive Ian Reynolds has told his replacement Mark Tanzer.
The association could potentially see its bonding scheme disappear in the face of potential changes to the financial protection system, meaning ABTA will have to broaden its remit to remain relevant, said Reynolds.
Tanzer – a former boss at utility giant Centrica – officially took over yesterday, although he has been working with Reynolds in a handover period since August 22.
Reynolds said it could take several years to build up a new protection scheme through a consumer levy – quicker if airlines are included under current proposed legislation – which would make the ABTA bond redundant.
Therefore, ABTA should focus on its Accredited Travel Professional programme, its codes of conduct and work with the Office of Fair Trading to remain relevant in consumer minds.
ABTA’s membership criteria will also be addressed. Reynolds said: “By being more open to membership by accommodation providers, domestic operators and Internet companies, ABTA will be more relevant. That would be an important step into the future.”
Reynolds now plans to seek a chairmanship, in a travel or public capacity.
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