The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) has appointed its first executive board, as part of a strategy to drive growth amid the recovery of travel.
Brian Young (pictured), EMEA managing director for G Adventures, will remain as chair of Atas for a further year.
As well as Young, the board will include Claire Brighton, Atas account director; Stuart Parish, UK and ME managing director for Jacobs Media Group; Anthony Daniels, UK and EMEA general manager at Hurtigruten; Donna Jeavons UK & Europe sales and marketing director for Trafalgar & Costsaver; Giles Hawke, chief executive at Cosmos Tours; Niel Alobaidi, chief executive at Newmarket Holidays; and Zina Bencheikh, EMEA managing director at Intrepid Travel.
Young said: “As we move out of the pandemic, we need a razor-sharp focus on our sector and how we are going to push Atas and the sector forward.
“The size of the membership means we need to have more frequent meetings, set out clear objectives, and ensure decision-making is quick and concise.
“With more than 20 members, we need our executive board to ensure we are focused on delivering in these areas for the benefit of the whole.
“The experience of the elected executive board means we can leverage knowledge and experience to achieve these aims.”
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He said he wanted to extend his chairmanship for a further year to give him a chance to achieve the goals he had set out before the pandemic struck.
Now with the executive board established, Atas can set out its objectives for the next 12 months, he added.
“We can bring our collective power together for lobbying on matters that are important for the industry and the touring and adventure sector,” said Young.
“We can also expand our reach and develop the understanding of the sector for our agency partners – and ensure we are adding value for the membership and our partners.”
Brighton added: “It’s great news that Brian has agreed to another year as chairman, as that will help give consistency to our work while we plan new initiatives and growth strategies.
“I am excited to welcome the new members of the executive board at such a key time for our association and the wider touring and adventure sector – with prospects for 2022 looking brighter all the time, it’s important that Atas can help its members and travel agents to make the most of the recovery in travel.”