The voice of the coach travel sector is to be amplified through a new tie-in with Abta.
The travel association has agreed a partnership with Road Haulage Association arm RHA Coaches.
The benefits received by coach travel companies within each organisation’s membership will be enhanced via the collaboration.
The two trade bodies will work together on areas such as public affairs – looking at coach policy issues, such as post-Brexit school travel and the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System.
RHA Coaches was launched in March 2021 as an arm of the Road Haulage Association to provide services for coach companies.
Abta has many members who provide coach holidays and services, from school travel to ski trips, touring and day trips.
RHA members who join Abta will gain access to services such as legal advice and financial protection solutions to help meet any obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.
Abta membership and financial protection director Rachel Jordan said: “Coach travel is a sector within its own right, and we know that our members have been facing some unique challenges, particularly around travel between the UK and EU.
“Not only does this new partnership formalise an existing working relationship between Abta and RHA Coaches, it also opens doors for greater collaboration, which will enhance our offer to new and existing coach members.”
RHA managing director Richard Smith described the new partnership as delivering a “formidable offering” to support coach operators.
“We’re taking a great opportunity to align our established brands to collaborate on key industry priorities and build on the strength and depth of the services we provide our members,” he said.
Jason Edwards, managing director of Abta and RHA Coaches member Jason Edwards Travel, said: “With many coach companies operating their own holiday programme in the UK and Europe, the trusted knowledge and guidance from RHA Coaches is already well used.
“To sit alongside Abta’s long-standing brand, support, industry knowledge and the first-class Abta team, I have no doubt will help guide and shape the industry for years to come.
“I have recently become Abta bonded for my own Jason Edwards Travel business, and it certainly gives our customers further peace of mind being associated with the iconic Abta brand.
“Also, a joint voice on UK and European legislation can only be a benefit to operators and its customers. This new partnership clearly is a win, win for UK businesses.”