Abta broadens partnership scheme to include hotels

Abta has broadened its partnership scheme to include hotels, with Domes Resorts the first group to join.

Abta described the move as the “natural evolution” of the Abta Partnership programme, which already includes airlines and tourist boards as well as legal and financial companies.

Domes Resorts, a luxury hospitality group with properties across Greece and Portugal, joins 160 companies in the programme.

The scheme connects companies providing specialist services, products and expertise for the travel sector with Abta’s members.

The new hotel category will give hotels keen to grow sales through the UK travel trade the chance to build relationships with agents and tour operators.

Abta members have privileged access to the services of its partners such as special offers and insight reports while partners in the scheme enjoy benefits such as marketing support, industry insights and networking opportunities.

Abta plans to welcome more hotels looking to grow through the trade and increase their profile in the outbound market following the announcement of its first hotel partner.

Hotel partners will have free access to Abta’s Tourism Accommodation Health & Safety Technical Guide, plus discounted membership of the Travelife for Accommodation sustainability certification programme.

Abta commercial director Claire Biddle said: “Partners are a vital part of our business. They benefit from privileged access to Abta members, whilst our members get trusted, vetted suppliers who understand the trade and support their sales. 

“We’re excited to launch this new category with Domes Resorts and look forward to welcoming more hotels looking to build strong relationships with the UK travel industry.”

The Domes portfolio includes luxury, lifestyle, family and adult-friendly properties and caters for couples, families and high-end travellers. It already works closely with the UK trade and boasts properties in locations including the Algarve and on several Greece islands.

Chief executive George Spanos said: “This is a moment of great pride and excitement for all of us at Domes Resorts.

“Becoming Abta’s first hotel partner is not only a milestone for our brand but a powerful testament to the trusted relationships we’ve built with the UK travel trade over the years, and our ongoing efforts to raise standards, increase transparency, and build long-term relationships. 

“Domes will continue innovating and growing trust with partners and guests.”