23 Jan
2023

ABTA launches new programme of engagement with members across the country

ABTA has launched a new programme of activity to engage with members in the nations and regions.

It has been developed in collaboration with ABTA’s Council of Regions - taking on their ideas and feedback on how ABTA could build on its outreach.

The new programme for 2023 will have two main elements. The first will be a free ABTA-hosted event taking place once a year in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and each of the regions in England. The sessions have evolved from the previous regional meetings’ format and are much more of a two-way exchange, with only short and informal updates from ABTA. The emphasis is on knowledge exchange between members and ABTA, as well as networking with industry colleagues in their area, all with the aim of helping members run their business. 

ABTA will also be doing more to get involved in activities where members are already gathering locally by attending industry roadshows, events and networking. 

Danny Waine, Head of Membership at ABTA – The Travel Association said:

“Getting out and about – whether at ABTA-hosted events or industry gatherings – is an important part of how we communicate and connect with members. We’re trying as much as possible to make our engagement with members two-way, doing this as we always have by being at the end of the phone or email for any business queries, but also through the activities we run and attend in the nations and regions. We look forward to catching up with members at these events.”

Alistair Rowland, Chairman of ABTA and Chair of the Council of Regions said:

“It’s been great to have the feedback and insight from the Council of Regions in developing this new programme of engaging with members in the nations and regions. ABTA is keen to make sure these activities are as valuable as possible to members, so having their feedback in shaping the programme has been really beneficial.”

Details so far for the new programme are available online and dates for other activity will be added shortly. The first ABTA-hosted event takes place in the East of England and the invitations will go to members in that area shortly.

ABTA also runs a monthly video conference call which is open to all members to attend and submit questions. Details of those can be found in the ABTA Member Zone.

Notes to editors

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 3,900 travel brands in Membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £40 billion. We work closely with our Members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our Members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. We’ll help you understand your level of financial protection, and what to do next, in the unlikely event that an ABTA Member goes out of business. So, whatever happens, when you book with an ABTA Member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our Members brings peace of mind. Together with our Members, we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com