ABTA has announced two new appointments to its board.
Former Tory cabinet minister Lord Fowler, who has chaired a number of companies including two local newspaper groups and the National House Building Company, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director.
He said: “I am delighted. ABTA is a crucial organisation providing a guarantee of quality to the public.
“I believe strongly in the importance of the tourism industry. It makes a vital contribution both in employment and to the general economy.”
Barclays group public policy director Christine Furnish has also been appointed as an advisor to the board.
She said: “ABTA is well known and highly regarded by consumers and politicians. I am delighted to have the opportunity to make a contribution to its role in these areas.”
ABTA chairman John McEwan said: “We are extremely pleased that such illustrious and experienced figures have agreed to work with ABTA.
“There is much to do but ABTA is now in an even stronger position to have a major influence in building the public profile of the travel industry, and in pushing our policy agenda in the UK and in Europe.”