Andrew Swaffield of Monarch Travel Group elected to ABTA Board

ABTA announced today that Andrew Swaffield, Chief Executive Officer of the Monarch Group, has been elected unopposed to the ABTA Board of Directors representing principals with an annual turnover of not less than £50 million.

Mr Swaffield joined Thomas Cook in 1984 as a travel consultant and has held senior positions within British Airways,  British Airways Holidays and Avios (formerly Airmiles). Mr Swaffield joined the Monarch Group as MD of the airline in 2014 and became Group CEO in July.

Andrew Swaffield said: "Having worked in the industry in a travel agency, a tour operator and an airline, I have seen the value of a strong and functional trade body like ABTA from many perspectives. There is no doubt that many changes lie ahead for the whole industry, and we must be forward looking and cooperative if we are to remain relevant, modern and attractive to industry members. I am a passionate believer in listening to customers and building our industry around their needs, and creating rewarding careers through financial sustainability. I am very keen to ensure that the quality of the products we sell is consistent and that our industry operates in an open and transparent way with consumers. I believe that our industry needs to be heard in Government as a reasonable but strong voice advocating on issues that concern long term competitiveness of the UK travel industry, like infrastructure, tax and freedom of movement. We should also be willing, when appropriate to ensure that the voice of our industry is heard by the electorate in important issues like EU membership, where it affects our industry."

Noel Josephides, ABTA Chairman said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the ABTA Board of Directors where his wealth of experience will prove invaluable to the Association and our Members. Andrew is joining the ABTA Board at a significant time as the industry moves forward towards a new regulatory environment both domestically and in Europe, and as travel businesses become increasingly diverse and international.”

Mr Swaffield’s appointment to the Board is with immediate effect.