ABTA and FTO to merge
02.04.08
ABTA and the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) are to merge to create one joint organisation from July 1, the organisations announced today. A spokesman said the new organisation will be a ‘powerful and authoritative voice for the industry, which will more effectively represent its broad membership of travel companies’.
After the merger, the FTO will maintain its identity and current membership as part of ABTA Ltd, and the FTO brand will continue to be used in relation to its activities. The FTO will also become a formal Committee of the ABTA Board.
Mark Tanzer will retain the role of chief executive officer of ABTA and Andy Cooper will retain his role and title as director general of FTO and IFTO. Mr Cooper will also become ABTA head of development, leading the development of strategic partnerships for the expanded organisation.
Mr Cooper said the main motivation of the move was not to reduce costs to members. He said: 'Combining the two organisations will mean we will be stronger together and have a more powerful lobbying voice.'
A spokesman said the new organisation would bring together the FTO’s experience and knowledge in operational issues, particularly regarding health and safety issues, crisis management and responsible tourism, with ABTA’s expertise in financial protection, consumer standards and the provision of information.
The joint organisation will operate from one office ‘as soon as it is practical to do so’, although it has not been decided where this will be. All staff from both organisations will be part of the new body, including the staff of The Travelife Sustainability System, which forms the most important part of FTO’s responsible tourism strategy.
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