ABTA’s three largest regions are threatening to hold up the association’s restructure unless they are given a greater voice in the new set-up.
Greater London, Northwest and Midland have warned Newman Street it will struggle to get 75% of the votes needed to adopt the new blueprint if they are only given one representative on the new Council of Regions.
Discontented voices are also insisting the regional chairman should not automatically take a seat on the new council.
The protests will send ABTA officials back to the drawing board to rethink the proposals.
Travel Agents Council Midland representative Doug Wardle said:”The plan is to have one representative per region on the new council but that is clearly unfair to the large three regions which have 60% of membership. It is vital that ourselves, Greater London and the Northwest have two seats on the council of regions.”
Wardle also argued that allowing only the regional chairmen to sit on the new council – and possibly on the main board – will deter many from putting their name forward.
“The task would be too onerous,” he said.
Some form of financial compensation could be considered, added Wardle.
TAC Northwest representative Graham Barber added: “For 20 years we have had two members on TAC to recognise our strength.
“It is essential this remains the case in the new structure otherwise the blueprint is unlikely to get the required support from members.”
ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds said the situation would be reviewed in light of the protests but stressed the Council of Regions will not be a decision-making body.
“It will not a be a powerful body in terms of voting,” he said. “The Council of Regions will act as more of a channel of communication for the association than anything else.”
He added regional vice-chairman could sit on the Council of Regions.
n See Letters, page 8