Low cost carrier Norwegian and Virgin West Coast Trains have signalled their support for the trade by becoming one of eight new Abta partners.
Other new partners named by the association include the Aruba Tourism Authority, Croatia National Tourist Office and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
Figures issued today show that Abta also attracted 11 new members in the first quarter of the year, with eight trading as principals, one dual member and two retail members.
The new members include special interest, luxury and concert tour companies. The new partners include legal and technology specialists and ground services organisations.
A total of 25 new companies have become Abta partners in the past 12 months, expanding the range of services and expertise available to members through the scheme.
Virgin Trains aims to become more accessible by working with and supporting Abta members community.
Head of sales Mandy Robinson said: “Virgin Trains is fully committed to working closely with travel management companies, travel agencies and the wider travel industry as we understand the value our third party partners deliver to us as a supplier and to our mutual customers they serve.
“This is a great opportunity for us to understand how we can support Abta members to grow rail in their travel portfolio and we look forward to meeting and working with them.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I am delighted to welcome these new members and partners to Abta and look forward to working with them. I would urge our new members and partners to take advantage of all the great benefits and resources Abta membership offers them including our 24-hour operational bulletins, legal support and guidance notes.”
New Abta members:
G Touring Limited, principal
Elaine’s Travel, retail
On Foot, principal
Best Travel Services Dot Co Dot UK, retail
Exoticca Travel, principal
Hooked on Cycling & Walking, principal
Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, principal
Arena Tours, principal
Onestage, principal
Travelbee, principal
Holiday Bulls, dual
New Abta Partners:
West Coast Trains
Lawbit
Digital Trip
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers
Aruba Tourism Authority
Croatian National Tourist Office