Tanzer claims association has vital role to play
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer gave a passionate defence of the association in his opening speech, arguing that it has a future as a lobbying force, a trade body for members and a consumer brand that holidaymakers could trust.
Tanzer admitted ABTA was at a turning point and people had the right to ask what the association was there for.
“We are a lobbying force. We believe financial protection is important and the arguments for a consumer levy to protect holidaymakers are the same as they were last year,” he said.
“We also give members the tools of the trade so that retailers can trade with operators. But the most important thing is that consumer confidence in the ABTA brand is high. There is 90% recognition of the ABTA brand and it is one that people feel well disposed to.”
Tanzer said the annual convention was also a vital meeting place for members of the industry.
“It is important and we are proud to be organizing it. We need open debate on the issues because we don’t have all the answers. There are different arguments that should be heard but then we need to go forward with one voice, because we are seen as a disparate body.”
Tanzer said the revolution in the travel industry, with the number of people buying no frills flights and holidays over the internet, was “fantastic”, but added that there were some downsides.
“The advent of tailor-made holidays has led to some changes that I am less happy with. There is an increasing focus on price as the basis of competition and the regulatory framework hasn’t kept pace.”
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
Jeremy Skidmore
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports