The Abta board position vacated by Monarch’s Hugh Morgan (pictured) offers a central role in establishing the future of the industry, according to the chairman.
Noel Josephides, who confirmed to Travel Weekly that he would be seeking a second two-year term next year, has made a personal appeal for candidates.
The elected position, one of five on the board including the chairman, is for a principal with an annual turnover of more than £50 million.
With Thomas Cook and Tui Travel given appointed roles, Josephides conceded changes in the market had seen the number of firms in the sector dwindle. But he said Flight-Plus Atol had seen new operators emerge, while traditional firms had reacted to the rise of the unregulated sector by adapting their models.
“We need someone who knows the industry well, both retail and tour operating, because nowadays there is very little difference,” said Josephides.
The board member will join at a time when Abta is looking to raise its profile with its new Travel with Confidence consumer campaign.
And the association will be at the heart of negotiations in Europe over the revised Package Travel Directive.
Josephides said the board role offers significant profile for the individual and their company.
“It’s a crucial time. In the next two years a lot of very important issues are going to be discussed,” he said.Candidates have until 5pm on December 3 to submit their nominations.
If there is more than one candidate, Abta will hold a ballot of members in that category and the result will be announced on January 8.