ABTA is hiring outside consultants to review the internal workings of the association.
The move will cost Newman Street around £20,000 and is designed to modernise the association (Travel Weekly June 21). But officials have stressed it is not a cost-cutting exercise and job losses are unlikely.
Sources claim the move is a compromise between chief executive Ian Reynolds and board member Warren Sandral.
While Sandral wanted outside consultants to slash the association’s £4m running costs, Reynolds was insistent that its 75 head office staff should not be put under threat.
“The two have met in the middle,” said an insider.
“Consultants are being brought in but cost cutting will not be the focus.”
The board will hold a day-long think-tank on September 23 where it will discuss ways of moving the association forward.
Chief executive Ian Reynolds said: “At the meeting the board will suggest ways we can enhance our service to members to fit in with the proposed new structure.
“Consultants will then be brought in to see how best that can be done.”