Independent travel group TIPTO has appointed Zena Calderbank of Hoseasons to its board. Calderbank is the first woman to join the board of the Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation in its 13 years.
The Hoseasons head of sales was confirmed as TIPTO vice-chair at the organisation’s annual meeting in London. She succeeds Julian Patchett of Brittany Ferries.
Calderbank was chair of Abta’s UK tourism and leisure committee until last year.
Allan Lambert of Bourne Leisure was voted TIPTO chairman for a second and final year.
Calderbank said: “Hoseasons has been a strong advocate of TIPTO for over ten years and has enjoyed the benefits and opportunities the organisation gives us.
“I don’t believe there is any other industry body that can interact with over 5,000 independent travel agents directly and meet in excess of 1,300 face to face each year.
Lambert said: “Our new initiatives have been well supported by independent retailers. We will continue to develop the TIPTO offering to ensure agents have all the tools needed to maximise sales of members’ holidays.”