ABTAmembers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new streamlined structure at an extraordinary general meeting, held at its Newman Street headquarters.
A total of 534 agents voted, some 30% of its membership. A resounding 96% backed the new structure, with only 23 agents opposing it. The revamp will see an enlarged board and the abolition of the ABTATravel Agents’ Council and Tour Operators’ Council. Board director Lesley Walsh of Taylor Travel is thought to be the only member to vote against the blueprint.
ABTApresident Steven Freudmann said he was delighted. “Over the last 30 years presidents such as Ivor Elms, Mike Grindrod and John Dunscombe have tried to change the constitution but none of them have been successful. It is a tremendous achievement for those involved.”
Freudmann said he plans to stand for the new board which will be set up from May 2000 and may consider standing as the new president if the articles of association were changed.