ABTAis to make a second attempt to get a resolution passed at an extraordinary general meeting in April which will give it powers to slash the travel agents’ entrance fee.
The association is proposing that the Board of Directors has the authority to change the current ú1,375 entrance fee at any time as part of its plans to boost membership.
If that resolution doesn’t get the 75% majority needed to be approved, a second resolution has been proposed. This suggests that a ú1,000 fee be introduced which can be altered by an ordinary resolution requiring a vote by the whole membership. At least 50% of the vote is needed to get this through.
ABTAchief executive Ian Reynolds said research carried out by the association among potential new members found the entrance fee too high. He expected there to be less resistance than the last time it was proposed. “There has been a period for people to understand the intention behind it.”
Other resolutions proposed for the EGM on April 27 are to force all new members to pay their subscriptions by direct debit or standing order. In addition, existing travel agent members who fail to pay their subscriptions by July 1 each year will have their membership terminated.
The ceiling for the proportion of travel agents’ turnover generated from tour operating has been increased from ú200,000 to ú400,000 in resolution three. The last resolution proposes that the word Scotland be substituted for the word Scottish in the association’s articles following a request by Scottish members.