p4 news May1 29/4/09 22:35 Page 4
news
01.05.2009
Advantage ‘not
hit’ by Freedom
McEwan tipped
THE COLLAPSE of Freedom Direct Holidays will
have no impact on Advantage commercially as Abta president
despite it being one of its biggest members, the
consortium has said.
Advantage chief executive John McEwan
Lucy Huxley.
confirmed there will be some claims for pipeline ADVANTAGE boss John McEwan has
C
O
and fellow board director Mike
monies from operators in its Cap payment system. been lined up as a front-runner for
STO
VER
Greenacre, managing director of
And although the level of payouts is not known, the Abta presidency, but his candi-
R
Y
Co-op Travel, would be seconding
and nominating McEwan following
he denied speculation the consortium moved to dacy could force a first-ever election Wednesday’s AGM.
limit its exposure before Freedom went bust. for the post. Elections are imminent as Fleming has
“The bond we had in place would be more than If as expected, McEwan (pictured) is nomi- completed his three-year tenure, and candidates
enough to cover any claims that come through,” nated, TTG understands rival agency groups have 28 days to get nominations in.
McEwan said. Worldchoice and Independent Options could Morgan said: “John has very broad experience
“We do have a cap in place on the amount ensure there is a rival candidate. of most sectors of the industry. He’s a great
a supplier can be reimbursed, but it’s a general Under new rules the entire membership must communicator with a good understanding of
cap and that has not changed. vote on the presidency if there is current issues.” He added there
“Based on what we understand, that cap is not more than one candidate. were plenty of board directors
going to be breached.” Combined, Worldchoice and capable of fulfilling the remit, but
McEwan said the impact on the consortium Independent Options outnumber none was able to devote the time
from loss of business would also be minimal Advantage members. the role needs as John could.
because Freedom Direct mainly had its own deals Sources say the Abta board is Morgan dismissed the recent
with suppliers. split on who should succeed Justin criticism of Advantage over its
“I’m very sorry they have gone out of business. Fleming, and non-Advantage mem- alleged “Abta rival” membership
I cannot help feeling the whole CAA bonding bers are concerned at the prospect offer for non-members, saying the
issue contributed to it,” he added. of McEwan landing the top job. scheme was “misinterpreted”.
This week Cosmos purchasing McEwan said he would “have to
director Hugh Morgan confirmed he consider the role” if nominated.
Freudmann faces ITT opponent
INSTITUTE of Travel and Tourism chairman A source said that since the ITT board had
Steven Freudmann is facing a challenger to his given Freudmann its full backing, Stevens had
place on the board after being elected unop- been contacted by some members who said they
posed on the last two occasions. were not happy.
Affordable Travel Group director However, Freudmann told TTG
Michael Stevens has opted to stand he had received 300 messages of
against Freudmann (pictured) in support from ITT members, and
the travel agency category. said he would stand on his record.
TTG understands Stevens Freudmann confirmed a decision
switched from the general category had been taken to move forward
TROPHY SPEAKER: England’s rugby he was previously elected in, the voting timetable to before
union World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive following the controversy over the ITT’s June conference, a move
Woodward, will speak at the Advantage collapse of Freudmann’s Unpack- questioned by our source who
Conference to be held on September 18-2O aged Holidays, which forced his said candidates usually use the
at the Radisson Edwardian, Heathrow. resignation from the Abta board. event to lobby for support.
04 01.05.2009
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