Most ABTA board members representing smaller businesses broadly agree with Mark Tanzer’s vision for the association, while recognising there will be concern.
Britaly Travel partner Daniele Broccoli said: “My biggest concern is the person on the board needs to be a strong representative. I would not want an agency owner who never made a booking.”
He rejected claims the board would determine the position of president by controlling nominations. “The board will have to give a good reason for rejecting a candidate suggested by members,” he said.
Sandy Travel proprietor Sandy Murray said: “We want quality not quantity. I run a small agency and would like to think I would be represented. But ABTA has been top-heavy for a long time.”
Holiday Express managing director David Powell said: “I’m in broad agreement, but a lot of members are wary. They are concerned that tour operators are taking control.”
Sunvil Holidays managing director Noel Josephides believes agents are wrong to think ABTA has neglected their concerns. “It has created opportunities for smaller retailers to dynamically package and this is against the interests of tour operators,” he said.