All Leisure Group chairman Roger Allard has confirmed he intends to put his name forward for the role of Abta chairman.
Sunvil managing director Noel Josephides also intends to stand for the position.
Candidates for the chairman role must be proposed and seconded by Abta board members by May 8.
Former chairman John McEwan stepped down as chairman earlier this week after he announced his retirement as chief executive of Advantage, with Monarch Travel Group managing director Hugh Morgan acting as interim chairman.
If there is more than one candidate, a ballot of all Abta members will be held.
Allard told Travel Weekly: “I’ve been asked to stand and I think I can offer something to the industry. I have been both a travel agent and tour operator and feel I understand both retail and business travel.
“I understand the proposed changes to the Atol regulations and feel quite strongly about it.”
Allard, who has been in the travel industry for 40 years, said financial protection and sustainability would be dominant issues for the industry in the coming years.
“I started in the industry at the age of 14 as a tea boy for Vista Tours. It’s important that an Abta chairman has the experience to take a broad picture, understand what the issues are, and listen to members.”
Josephides is a long-time member of the board and supported Daniele Broccoli standing for the role against McEwan four years ago.