ABTA is delighted to welcome leading cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd into ABTA membership from 1 October 2009. Over the past 12 months ABTA has accepted 62 new companies into membership and 98% of existing members renewed their subscriptions earlier this year.

Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, UK and Ireland said: “Our decision to join ABTA comes at an exciting time for the organisation and the industry as a whole. Over recent months there is a real feeling that businesses involved in travel and tourism should speak through one body – and ABTA is taking on the challenge to be the main lobbying body. We look forward to having our say and being able to make a positive contribution on behalf of the cruise sector.”

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said “Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd are a great addition to the ABTA family and we look forward to helping develop the close ties they have with the rest of our membership. The high standards and range of services provided by Royal Caribbean are recognised throughout the industry and ABTA membership can only enhance them”.