The Co-operative Travel managing director Mike Greenacre has been re-elected to the Abta board to represent large retailers.
Greenacre beat On the Beach commercial director Johnny Pollard to secure the position after members cast their vote in a ballot, which closed last night at 5pm. It is thought Greenacre won as much as 80% of the vote.
Greenacre said: “I’m really pleased to receive this support for another term in office on the Abta board. I genuinely want to make sure we complete the work that we started in relation to raising the association’s profile and lobbying government over important issues such as Air Passenger Duty.
“Johnny Pollard and I have spoken since the election result was announced and we will very much work together to ensure that as far as online is concerned, Abta is able to take cognisance of online players.
“I just wish that more people who had an opportunity to cast their vote had taken part in this election because I understand there was a very low turnout.”
Pollard said: “It was always going to be a hard task since Mike is so well known and well established. I think I’ve succeeded in raising awareness that there is another voice to be heard in the online sector. I’m sure Mike will continue to do excellent work.”
Pollard has also applied to stand for election to the ITT board. “It is a fantastic organisation with great events, so it’s definitely a worthwhile thing to do,” he said.
Meanwhile, Complete World Travel chairman Michael Knowles has beat Moseley Travel owner Charles Eftichiou to represent Midland region members on the Abta Council of Regions.