Advantage voices support for Baldwins staff after Iata accreditation suspended

The Advantage Travel Partnership has voiced supported for Baldwins Travel staff following confirmation the chain lost its Iata accreditation weeks after having its Abta membership terminated.

The consortium confirmed Baldwins was no longer a member, though senior staff including director Nick Marks are attending its conference in Malta this week.

The confirmation of Baldwins’ Iata suspension comes after the agency chain lost an appeal last month against its expulsion from Abta for “failing to provide financial information”.

The original decision to terminate its membership had been taken in February before the termination was suspended pending the appeal.

The company had already appealed once, last autumn, against termination of its membership. That decision was revoked in light of undertakings made by Baldwins.

Two directors of the company, finance director Christopher Hatfield and chief commercial officer Dan Shaw, subsequently resigned.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "It’s been a really tough time for Nick and the Baldwins team and we have been supporting them in any way we can. As always, our thoughts are with the family and the staff.” 

An Iata spokesperson said: “The Iata accreditation of Baldwins Travel has been suspended effective April 28, 2025. The suspension may be lifted if the company fulfils the reinstatement requirements by May 31, 2025.”