p8-9 in-depth May22 20/5/09 19:35 Page 9
ttglive.com
abta election special
‘I would bring a
better balance’
Advantage’s John McEwan says tough times require a person
of stature who can unite the travel industry. By Lee Hayhurst
HIGH-PROFILE endorsements John McEwan agency status could be the
for John McEwan’s bid for the answer to keeping the levy at £1,
Age: 62
Abta chair have been rolling in.
Job: Chief executive, Advantage
he believes.
The former Lunn Poly and
Previous experience: Abta
Certainly the looming battle
Thomas Cook chief clearly has
board member (2000-03)
over the prospect of a £3 levy
high-level support, with the
Career: Thomas Cook (1963-
looks like being the first big test
1999); Thomson Travel Group
likes of Cosmos, Tui, Virgin
(2000-03); Advantage (2004-
for the new chairman’s ability to
Holidays and non-Abta agent
present)
lobby and unite the industry.
Travel Counsellors queuing up Other experience: Chairs the McEwan said the industry
to back him.
Travel and Tourism National
could not afford to wait for the
But, although his campaign
Diploma programme
outcome of the CAA’s court case
will promote him as the heavy- against Travel Republic to get
weight candidate who can sort out issues such consistency in interpretation of the rules. And
as protection, he says he also has broad appeal. issues such as APD required a united front, he
“I have spent most of my life in travel retailing. said, adding: “If we can be a more effective
I would bring a better balance to the board but lobbying body and crack these issues, all
not at the expense of seeing the bigger picture,” members of Abta would benefit.”
he said. While operators are looking for more effective
As the election packs arrived this week, a lobbying, agents want value for money from
letter from McEwan explaining why he has the their membership and to be heard, McEwan said.
experience to lead Abta was also due to land. He will look to revive the Council of Regions by
“I hope the membership carefully thinks what involving influential members and said he would
experience, skills and expertise is required in be very happy to chair its meetings.
what is a difficult time,” he added. McEwan refuted accusations from sources
McEwan has been at the fore of the industry’s linked to his rival’s campaign that the Abta chief
lobbying for an overhaul of Atol protection and, cannot also be the boss of a major consortium.
if elected, said he would demand change. “It’s difficult to see how, as Abta chairman,
His vision is for a streamlined system under you can take decisions that will benefit one
which firms are bonded and financially vetted by constituency within Abta,” he said.
Abta, leaving the CAA to collect the Atol levy. “The Advantage board was unanimous in their
An extension of the levy to cover “flights plus” support; they thought me being chairman would
(non-air packages) and an Atol tailored for be good for the industry, not just for Advantage.”
memberships have more than one Mike Greenacre, The Co-operative Travel whether that be tour operating or travel agents,
vote. Tui , for example, has 15. managing director, nominated John McEwan large and small. He has an excellent grasp of all the
Members have until June 10 to “For the first time in the history of Abta, the challenges and threats agents and operators face.
return their voting form. membership has a chance to elect its chairman. “He has strong commercial skills and a wide
“I know both candidates and when I examine and extensive network of contacts.
To read the testimonials in full, their credentials, I am left in no doubt John “For these reasons you should vote for John
and for more election coverage, McEwan is the best man for this role. and you should do so positively if, and only if,
go to ttglive.com/abtaelection “John has broad experience in most sectors, you believe he is the best person for the job.”
22.05.2009 09
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