ABTA election special: The fight is on

Advantage Travel Centres chief executive John McEwan and Daniele Broccoli, a current ABTA Board member and managing director of Britaly Travel, are going head to head to become the new ABTA chairman.

Here, both sides outline why they deserve to take the top spot.

After you have read what they have to say, share you views by clicking on ADD A COMMENT below, and take part in our online poll.

Daniele Broccoli has likened the election fight to David and Goliath, claiming he represents the small independents while John McEwan represents the ‘big boys’.

“Having read on Travelmole about the backing for John from the big boys in the last few days, I’m more determined than ever to win the election,” he said.

“There are only three big boys, but there are 600 other tour operators in ABTA. I want to bring ABTA back to its members by representing the smaller tour operators and agents – the independents. I have no ties, and my only interest is the membership.

“In these crucial times, the members need somebody who knows how it is. I am on the front line, answering the phones, speaking to the customers. My business has a tour operating side too. I started my company in 1984, so I’ve been through recessions, terrorist attacks, strikes. I’ve dealt with the threat of the internet, direct sales. I know what the members feel. John only became an ABTA member last week.

“I also want to restore the pride in ABTA as an organisation. That’s something that is definitely missing."

Broccoli believes the key issues facing the industry include “the outrageous APD charges and the ATOL speculation of the CAA increase charges”.

“We must also continue to deliver better value for our members and we need to help those members to have profitable businesses. Above everything we need to reduce unnecessary burdens on the membership that simply slow down companies by tying them up with red tape.

“There are some who tell me that ABTA has lost its way in recent years. I don’t agree with them. However, I am clear that if we are to be seen as the leading body for the industry we must ensure that the people who are responsible for that leadership are clear about who they represent. They must truly represent all the membership and must not have divided loyalties.”

John McEwan urged ABTA members to vote for a new chairman who can successfully manage the change required to meet the challenges ahead.

“It should be made clear from the outset that my decision to put my ABTA chairmanship nomination forward has not been taken lightly and I have done so with a confidence that I can bring real value to ABTA moving forward," he said.

"The election is happening at a time of tremendous change across the world, creating turbulent economic times within our industry and there is significant financial pressure on all businesses, large and small, to manage costs and to maximise the value and benefits they can obtain for their business.

"It is my belief, those businesses that survive will have demonstrated a drive to win and, above all, a clear ability to change and adapt their approach to meet the challenges they face. As the governing body of the British travel industry, it is critical that ABTA is seen to take on a leadership responsibility, becoming a role model for all members of the organisation. It is, without doubt the right body to protect and enhance the fortunes of all of its members.

"Should I be elected as the new chairman of ABTA, I would set out to be an agent of continual change to help the central team at ABTA in maximising the benefits all members receive from being part of ABTA.

"I am convinced, however, that fast and lasting positive change will only be successfully achieved through collaboration rather than confrontation and my aim will be to seek complementary fits and pursue a role for ABTA that adds incremental value rather than costly duplication.

"From a personal perspective, I am proud of what I have achieved during my career and I am confident that I have consistently demonstrated an ability to successfully manage change across large and complex organisations, harmonising the activities of large numbers of people for whom I have overall responsibility.

"I also feel that I am uniquely placed to steer this change process in that I can draw on my experience from some of the key sectors of our industry including tour operating, national retailing and independent travel agency retailing for both leisure and business travel.”

By Bev Fearis