11 new Members and eight new Partners

From January to March 2017, ABTA welcomed 11 new Members, with eight trading as Principals, one trading as a dual Member, and two retail Members. Additionally, eight new Partners joined the Association.

The new Members include special interest, luxury and concert tour companies. The new Partners include tourism boards, legal and technology specialists and ground services organisations.

During the last 12 months, 25 new companies have become ABTA Partners, expanding the range of services and expertise available to ABTA Members through the Partner scheme.

The following companies became ABTA Members between 1 January and 31 March 2017:

• G Touring Limited, ABTA Number Y6412, principal, joined 04/01/2017
• Elaine's Travel Ltd, ABTA Number P7092, retail, joined 30/01/2017
• On Foot Ltd, ABTA Number Y6415, principal, joined 01/02/2017
• Best Travel Services Dot Co Dot UK Ltd, ABTA Number P7095, retail, joined 10/02/2017
• Exoticca Travel UK Ltd, ABTA Number Y6417, principal, joined 14/02/2017
• Hooked on Cycling & Walking, ABTA Member Y6420, principal, joined 20/02/2017
• HCPT (Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust), ABTA Number Y6425, principal, joined 09/03/2017
• Arena Tours Ltd, ABTA Number Y6426, principal, joined 14/03/2017
• Onestage Limited, ABTA Number Y6427, principal, joined 15/03/2017
• Travelbee Limited, ABTA Number Y6428, principal, joined 20/03/2017
• Holiday Bulls Ltd, ABTA Number P7105, dual, joined 20/03/2017

The following companies became ABTA Partners between 1 January and 31 March 2017:

• West Coast Trains Ltd (Virgin Trains), TIP648, joined 03/01/2017
• Lawbit Ltd, TIP649, joined 05/01/2017
• Digital Trip Ltd, TIP650, joined 19/01/2017
• Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, TIP652, joined 08/02/2017
• Norwegian Air Shuttle, TIP651, joined 08/02/2017
• Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers Ltd, TIP653, joined 14/02/2017
• Aruba Tourism Authority, TIP654, joined 16/03/2017
• Croatian National Tourist Office, TIP655, joined 31/03/2017

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “I am delighted to welcome these new Members and Partners to ABTA and look forward to working with them. I would urge our new Members and Partners to take advantage of all the great benefits and resources ABTA Membership offers them including our 24-hour operational bulletins, legal support and guidance notes.”

By becoming ABTA Partner+ members, West Coast Trains Ltd, trading as Virgin Trains aims to become more accessible to ABTA Members, working with and supporting the Member community.

Head of Sales for Virgin Trains, Mandy Robinson said: “Virgin Trains is fully committed to working closely with travel management companies, travel agencies and the wider travel industry as we understand the value our third party partners deliver to us as a supplier and to our mutual customers they serve. This is a great opportunity for us to understand how we can support ABTA Members to grow rail in their travel portfolio and we look forward to meeting and working with them.”