ABTA’s Travel Agents’ Council and Tour Operators’ Council have backed proposals to reshape the structure of the association.
But both said they needed to hear more details about the plans, which include the merging of TACand TOC. Chief executive Ian Reynolds said more information would be disclosed at meetings in May.
TOC chairman John Bond said it was keen to ensure that, under the new structure, ABTAcontinued to protect the interests of both sides of the membership.
“It’s about helping the industry as a whole, not looking at isolated incidents,” he said.
TAC chairman Stephen Bath said: “The final picture will need to have a broad appeal as we need a 75% positive vote from the whole membership in the autumn to make these radical changes.”
However, the two councils disagreed on whether there should be an increase in annual subscriptions. TAC opposed the move while TOCagreed to a modest rise, provided it was in line with inflation. The decision will now go to the Board.
At the request of TAC, TOC has agreed to publish a notice to operators in its next newsletter urging them to specify the required holiday deposit on viewdata and in brochures.
This follows complaints from agents that some operators are not making it clear how much deposit they require.
n Sunquest’s Paul Cowley and Cosmos’ Mike Austin have been appointed to ABTA’s Appeal Board. They replace Esprit Holidays’ Bob Moore, who died last month after a battle against cancer, and Travelscene’s John Harding, who has stepped down due to work pressures.
ABTAbodies await further details on restructure in May meeting