YOUR report on the proposed new ABTA structure, raises several questions (Travel Weekly March 8).
The main disadvantage with the new proposal is that the majority of members (six of the 11 regions) will have no direct representation on the board. They don’t at the moment but surely the new structure with twice as many board members should address this current shortcoming.
The proposed Regional Council is only a modified Travel Agents’ Council, if the new enlarged board is properly structured the regional council would only be an expensive debating platform.
My thoughts on the board are that it should consist of a president who has a casting vote only, chief executive; one seat each for Advantage and ARTAC WorldChoice; and five seats for the regional agents.
There should also be one seat for representatives from the Thomson Travel Group, Airtours and Thomas Cook as well as two seats for AITO and five seats for other operators.
Roger Waterfall
Waterfall Travel
Skipton
Yorkshire