NEWS ROUND-UP
COMMENT: “In most cases, your competition is not always who you think it is…it is often more subtle” Steve Dunne, page 46
‘A leader and a gentleman’: trade mourns John Harding
Lee Hayhurst and Hollie-Rae Merrick
Tributes have been paid to former Abta president John Harding, who has died aged 72.
Harding worked for the likes
of Rainbow Holidays, Centurion Holiday Group, Hotels4U and Travelscene in a career spanning half a century. Described as one of the industry’s best-loved characters, he retired in 2009 and moved to France. He died on January 11. Harding’s career began at P&O
Steamships in 1959. His many senior industry roles included stints as Abta president (2003-04) and Tipto chairman (2001-03). He was described as “passionate”,
“a fantastic industry leader” and a “true gentleman”. He was also well known for wearing leather trousers at Abta conventions. Holiday Taxis’ UK sales director,
Andy Baker, who worked under Harding at Hotels4U, said: “Affectionately known internally as ‘The Captain’, John made a lasting impression on all he met – whether it was because of his loud booming voice, surpassed only by
Tui retail director Carter shifts to new Thomson Airways role
Jill Carter took up a new role within Tui Group on Monday (February 1) as customer delivery director for Thomson Airways. She switched from her position
as retail director, a role she was appointed to in February 2015 following the departure of Kathryn Darbandi to Thomas Cook. The move also sees Carter join the
THROUGH THE DECADES: John Harding’s career spanned 50 years
his brightly coloured jackets, or his ability to connect with everyone. “Even after parting company, he
still called me each year to see how I was getting on. A really nice bloke and I’ll miss him terribly.” Mark Warner agency sales manager Julie Franklin said: “He was one of the faces of travel who was respected and held in high regard among travel friends.” Abta chief executive Mark
Tanzer said: “John was passionate about the travel industry,
Jill Carter
particularly championing the interests of the independent sector. “John will be greatly missed by
everyone who knew him.” Harding’s funeral will be held at 2pm on February 10 at the Three Counties crematorium, Braintree, Essex. A wake will be held at the Green Man, Lindsell, Essex. Harding’s fiancée, Christine Cox,
has asked for attendees to email
buntystokes@hotmail.co.uk by
February 5. › Talk Back, page 23
as well as passion, commitment and a strong focus on results, as she takes on this exciting new challenge.” Carter joined Tui UK & Ireland
board for Thomson Airways. In a statement, Tui said: “Jill,
who has been with the company for 25 years, will use her extensive retail background, proven leadership and collaboration skills
10
travelweekly.co.uk 4 February 2016
in 1991. She soon became regional sales manager and then a divisional sales manager. She played a major role in the design of the new retail service model and the implementation of Thomson’s new Holiday Design Stores. Tui said a new director of retail
would be announced “in due course”.
NEWS IN BRIEF Craig Stoehr leaves
Thomas Cook and Abta Thomas Cook group general counsel, Craig Stoehr, is to leave the company after three years. Stoehr, who joined when former chief executive Harriet Green was in charge, has also stepped down from the Abta board of directors with immediate effect.
Emerald Belle ‘significantly’
damaged in shipyard fire Emerald Waterways’ yet-to- launch vessel Emerald Belle has been damaged in a blaze in the Dutch shipyard where it was being built. The company said the damage caused was “significant”. The ship’s planned launch in April may now be delayed. Agents with bookings were being contacted this week to discuss options.
emeraldwaterways.co.uk/ emeraldbelle
Canada educates agents
about new eTA for visitors Destination Canada is working with the trade to educate them on the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisaion (eTA) charge. From March 15, foreign nationals visiting Canada will have to pay C$7 (£3.50). The eTA will be valid for five years. The tourist board has been informing agents at roadshows and the 1,400 agents who have completed the Canada Specialist training programe.
cic.gc.ca
MSC Cruises orders two
Meraviglia-Plus ships MSC Cruises has confirmed an order for two Meraviglia- Plus ships, to be built in Saint Nazaire, France. The 6,300-passenger vessels will be delivered in November 2019 and April 2020. The ships will have 200 more cabins than sister vessel MSC Meraviglia, launching in June next year.
msccruises.co.uk
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