Former Thomas Cook director John de Vial and Advantage chief executive John McEwan are tipped to be potential nominees for the role of ABTA chairman.
No nominations have been received by the ABTA board, but rumours indicate that the two industry figures will be up for the role.
Sources had speculated that Britaly Travel director Daniele Broccoli is also interested in the position, however, Broccoli said he hadn’t made up his mind yet.
“I would love to be ABTA chairman at some point,” he said. “But I am not sure if this is the right time.”
John de Vial recently left his role at Thomas Cook after working for Thomson. He will now take up a part-time position as non-executive director at Cambridge-based travel agency and tour operator Light Blue Travel.
One source claimed McEwan was not suitable for the position because of his allegiance to Advantage agents.
“It would be so divisive. There would be a massive split on the ABTA board and it would give a perfect excuse for Travel Trust Association to pull members out for its own alternative to ABTA,” warned the source.
However, McEwan dismissed the claims.
The deadline for board members to nominate is May 14. If more than one person is nominated, for the first time all members will be allowed to vote for their preferred candidate in a postal ballot.
The nominees will appear on the ABTA website along with an election statement.