Returning: McEwan
John McEwan set to return to travel with new acquisition Former Abta chairman and Advantage chief executive John McEwan is in the process of acquiring a travel business. McEwan, who retired from Advantage and Abta in 2013 and is non-executive chairman of online agency Holidaysplease, said the name of the business would be revealed within weeks.
“A cooling-off period would lead to consumers making phantom bookings – it would create chaos”
Abta’s Mark Tanzer spells out the danger of proposed new PTD rule
MORE IN TRAVEL WEEKLY BUSINESS: BACK PAGE
Air traffic controllers to strike on January 29 over EC plans European air traffic controllers have called a strike next Wednesday (January 29) over planned safety and savings targets by the European Commission, which they said could endanger the safe provision of services. The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination has called on its members to take action after saying a revised proposal from the commission was even more unrealistic. The union had first planned a Europe-wide strike in October, but postponed it after the commission said it was willing to renegotiate.
Brand USA reveals itineraries for mega-fam for 100 agents Seven itineraries covering 21 states have been created for the second annual Brand USA Megafam. The trip will take place between May 15-22 and all tours end in Austin, Texas. Agents can win one of 100 places by booking British Airways and American Airlines flights to and within the US. Flight bookings from January 1 are valid. Sales can be logged at
usamegafam.co.uk
Abta issues guidance for disabled traveller bookings Abta has published updated guidance to help agents ensure disabled and less mobile clients get the most out of their travel and holiday arrangements. It includes a booking checklist, practical guides about each part of a passenger’s journey and companies’ legal obligations, plus free online training for members. Find it at
abta.com/ member-zone/travel-essentials
Peter Marks to step down from Thomas Cook board Thomas Cook Group non- executive director Peter Marks is to step down from the board next month. The company said Marks will retire on February 20. Emre Berkin, independent non- executive director, will succeed Marks as chairman of the group’s health, safety and environmental committee. The former Co-operative Group boss Marks was appointed a non-executive director in 2011.
Leaving: Peter Marks
Tipto treats agents to afternoon tea to
celebrate 15 years The Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation held an afternoon tea for agents and members in London’s Metropolitan Hotel to mark its 15th anniversary. Tipto promised “bigger and better”
agent roadshows this year. Vice-chairman Jane Atkins said: “I
would encourage agents to endorse the roadshows. We need you to support Tipto to make our 15th year our best year.” Tipto also welcomed its first new member of the year, Mark Warner, which becomes its 14th member. From left: Mark Mitchell, Affinion
Travel; Zena Calderbank, Tipto; Jane Atkins, Tipto; and Colin O’Neill, Advantage Travel Partnership.
Millington Travel co-owner eyes high street expansion Millington Travel hopes to expand its high street presence from five branches to about 12 in the next two to three years. The Leicestershire- based agency, which was founded in 1972, opened two agencies in Leicestershire last autumn and plans to add another one or two branches in the next 12 months. Co-owner Nigel
“We want to expand further and “I totally believe there is
potential to grow on the high street”
Armitage said he believed there was plenty of potential to grow on the high street and achieve “miniple” status for his agency chain. Millington Travel opened a store in the premises of a former The Co-operative Travel agency in Lutterworth in September, taking on one of its previous members of staff, and opened a branch in a former craft shop in Syston in October.
8 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 23 January 2014
we are looking at other shops at the moment. I would be looking to get to about 12 shops in the next few years,” he said. Although Armitage is intially focused on expanding the business within Leicestershire, he is considering opening branches outside the county. “We would
look beyond Leicestershire, but to start off with
you stick with what you know best. We are
looking at every opportunity; it’s
important not to grow too quickly. “I totally believe there is
potential to grow on the high street – it’s just finding the right high street,” he added. Sales for the high street chain
are about 25% up for the year to date compared with the same period last year, Armitage said.
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