Chairman of Sunvil Holidays Noel Josephides has been appointed Abta chairman after the election process closed on Friday.
Josephides went head to head with All Leisure Group chairman Roger Allard for the role, winning with 52% of the vote.
Abta said the voting turnout was 41%, around the same as four years ago when John McEwan stood against Britaly Travel director Daniele Broccoli.
Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “On behalf of the board, I’d like to congratulate Noel on his appointment as Abta chairman. He has a vast amount of industry experience that will prove extremely valuable as we make further strides in delivering our business plan for the association.”
Josephides said: “I am delighted to be elected as Abta chairman and I’d like to thank Roger Allard, the other candidate, for contributing to such an open and lively election campaign. I look forward to working with him in his capacity as board director, along with the rest of Abta’s board and management team, in my new role.
“The association is making very good progress in its strategy, and my aim as chairman is to ensure that this work continues on track, delivering the best possible service to Abta members and helping to guide them through the new challenges and changes in the industry.”
Josephides will take up his role as chairman at Abta’s next board meeting on July 24.