p9 news mar27 25/3/09 18:22 Page 9
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Cast your Abta votes, please!
The three candidates vying for a place representing small
agents on the Abta board set out their stall on why they
deserve your vote. Chris Gray reports
CURRENT board member Daniele Broccoli is from Justin Fleming, who stands down in April.
facing a challenge from Doreen McKenzie and But as Abta faces the challenge of rival mem-
Sandy Murray in the election for agents with a bership schemes to be offered by Advantage and
turnover of less than £2 million. Worldchoice, the small-agent post has triggered
So far this round of elections to the board a healthy contest. Members were sent ballot
has seen Sunvil’s Noel Josephides re-elected papers this week and voting closes on April 15.
unopposed to represent principals with an Here the three candidates take to the hustings
annual turnover up to £50 million. to convince you they are the agent for the job.
Abta is also inviting nominations for
candidates to stand for president to take over ■ Abta/Worldchoice harmony? Letters, p32
Doreen Daniele Sandy
McKenzie, Broccoli, Murray,
Knock Travel Britaly Travel Sandy Travel
DURING my 37 years in the travel industry and I ATTENDED my first Abta meeting 23 years ago in HAVING hands-on experience working in my
involvement in Abta committees, I have always a small hut with big ambitions known as Stansted travel agency, which I started from scratch 16
tried to promote more cooperation and cohesion airport. I knew from the moment the meeting years ago, I really appreciate the problems that
between all members. finished that travel and Abta were in my blood. independent agencies face.
I would work with the board to rebuild Two decades later I still have the same passion Those of you that know me, know I am pas-
confidence between operators and agents, and to and belief I had as an 18-year-old. sionate about our industry and always pro-Abta.
establish a clearer understanding between the The one difference is that I have now learnt Abta has a wonderful campaign of “Book with
parties about what partnership means. my trade from the bottom up. And I still believe Confidence” which is recognised everywhere and
I would demonstrate and prove that selling via today that it is us travel agents who have made sends a strong message to the public. But I think
the agency community is still the most efficient Abta a household name. Abta could be stronger and more of a force to be
and cost-effective distribution channel to market. That is why when I am in board meetings reckoned with.
What concerns me at the moment is the effects representing you, I have only one interest – to With stronger consortia, Abta needs to lead by
of fluid pricing. Many clients are waiting to get a make sure your voice is heard and ensure any example by working in partnership with those
better price because they are annoyed at the changes made are in our interest. consortia that have similar ideas so they work
tactics used by market price-setters. I aim to make sure that everyone on the board together to make the industry even stronger.
We should establish a Client Price Charter, or a understands how a small change to them can I am a member of both Advantage and Aito so
guarantee from operators so booked customers make a huge change to a high street shop. network frequently with other travel agents. I
can take advantage of changing market prices. It makes no difference to me which have also developed good working relationships
Agents are annoyed at operators undercutting consortium you belong to; all agents are equal with tour operators.
them on their direct-sell websites and the result in my eyes. I organise the Yorkshire Abta Ball, now in its
is confused and angry customers and diminished In these increasingly hard times we need to 13th year, which has raised over £60,000 for
loyalty from agents. The situation has forced make sure Abta makes our life less complicated. charities, and I am chairman of the Yorkshire and
agents to become DIY operators. This is effec- All we want to do is make a living, provide North Midlands Abta region as well as just being
tively competing against the operators with good service and sell holidays to our clients with elected back on to the Council of Regions.
whom they want to work in partnership. the assurance we are both backed by Abta. I have been in the industry 33 years now so
I believe we can do better than this. It’s your Please give me your vote. My voice is your think I have got the hang of it. You can trust me
association – please use your vote wisely! voice. to fight any causes 110%, so please: Vote for Me.
27.03.2009 09
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