NEW ABTA president Justin Fleming plans to step up the association’s power as a lobbying body.
Fleming, who took over from Martin Wellings this month, said ABTA had to communicate with the Government more, particularly because recent changes have significantly reduced its consumer protection role.
He said: “There is a a lot of ground to be made to increase ABTA’s lobbying power.”
ABTA is now recruiting for a member of staff to take responsibility for lobbying. Head of policy and membership services Stephen Alcock, who lobbied on ABTA’s behalf at Government and European level, left last January.
Fleming added: “It is crucial we have someone responsible for lobbying and attracting new members with a united voice on industry issues.”
The news comes as ABTA joins forces with the Government to launch a Get Safe Online campaign, which urges consumers to book through an ABTA-approved online agent. This follows a Mintel report that found 16.4 million overseas holidays or components were booked online last year.
ABTA has also issued new-look promotional material to agents this week for holidaymakers explaining financial protection following recent changes. Agents will receive new Book With Confidence Here posters and leaflets on consumer protection and what to do if something goes wrong with a holiday.
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