Abta insists sustainability remains “at the heart” of its strategic plan after confirming the departure of head of sustainability Clare Jenkinson in March.
Jenkinson joined the association in May 2016 and, posting on LinkedIn, said she would reveal her next steps in March.
Abta has begun the process of recruiting for a replacement for Jenkinson.
On her departure, she said: “It is with very mixed feelings I am announcing that I will be moving on from Abta in March.
“I am so grateful to all the wonderful and passionate people across Abta and the industry that I’ve had the privilege to work with – people truly committed to creating a more sustainable travel industry.”
Susan Deer, director of industry relations at Abta, said: “Clare has made such an important contribution to Abta’s and the wider industry’s work on sustainability during her time with us and led in producing our ‘Tourism for Good’ report, which has given us a strong framework for future work in this area.
“Her knowledge and expertise has been extremely valuable in driving forward the agenda on a wide range of sustainability issues from animal welfare standards to reducing plastics across the supply chain, and most recently looking at the tourism’s role in decarbonisation.
Deer added: “I want to extend my thanks, on behalf of Abta and our members, for all of her work and wish her the best of luck for when she leaves us in a few months’ time for her new role.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Abta’s strategic plan. We are currently recruiting for Clare’s replacement and are looking for someone who can lead this important work, collaborating with members and stakeholders from across the tourism and sustainability sectors.”