Target criticises Abta board make-up Juliet Dennis


Independent agents have called on Abta to increase board representation for smaller retailers while criticising its subscription fees as “not affordable” for members. Independent agency group


Target (Travel Agent Reform Group Engaged Together) has issued a plea for two new categories on Abta’s board, for retailers with a turnover of up to £2 million and for those with a turnover of £2 million to £5 million. The current board elects one


director to represent agents with retail turnovers of under £20 million and another for more than £20 million. But Target co-founder Graeme


Brett, of Westoe Travel, stressed: “Only 5% of retail members have a turnover above £10 million.” He called for the board to be


democratically elected “to represent all parts of the membership”. Target co-founder Jill Waite, of


Pole Travel, described the board as “top heavy” in its representation of operators, giving agents the impression their views were “not strongly or proportionally represented”. She added: “We’re not criticising


the skills or efforts of any of the board but they all need to be accountable by being elected. There should be a split between agents and operators.” The board currently numbers 13


but has provision for 14. Of the 13, four are elected and five are co-opted


Demand for US strong but price hikes a challenge


Juliet Dennis


The trade remains bullish about US sales as demand continues to hold up despite the rising cost of holidays to and in the destination. Agents and operators said the


immediate spike in US sales had not tailed off significantly since pre- departure Covid testing was dropped in June, with particularly strong sales for later this year and Easter 2023. Specialist Ocean Florida said


bookings had levelled off at 25% above where they were prior to restrictions being lifted. Harry Hastings, co-chief executive of parent company Ocean


4 7 JULY 2022


Holidays, said demand was mostly for beyond summer as clients sought to avoid airport disruption, with the market showing “signs of getting back to what we are all used to” for 2023. USAirtours cited strong demand


but cautioned that hikes in the cost of living and holidays, of up to 20% on 2019, could be challenging. Chief executive Guy Novik said:


“In 2023, we’ll struggle to reach the same [sales] levels as 2019 because of prices rising.” Prices have been squeezed by the poor exchange rate with the dollar; increased fuel prices; high US domestic demand pushing up room


We’re not criticising


the skills or efforts of the board but they all need to be accountable by being elected


from Abta’s members. A further three are co-opted but do not have to be from membership, which Abta said allowed the association to bring in external expertise such as civil service or political knowledge. The chief executive and chairman automatically have places. Abta said the role of directors was to ensure Abta had the “right strategy” for all members. Target also expressed its “total


dismay” over the decision to increase Abta’s subscription fees for members. At a meeting last December, it asked Abta to reduce fees and review costs. Subscriptions will rise by an


average 8% from July 1, with the increase limited to 4% or less for “about three-quarters” of members, according to Abta, and the minimum rate unchanged. Brett argued: “This is simply not


affordable for many agents, some of whom still have second jobs to support their businesses.” Abta defended the rise, adding


4% was a cut “in real terms” as it was below inflation. A spokeswoman said: “This is the first increase since 2019 and follows a 50% cut in fees in 2020 in response to the pandemic.”


New York is selling well for Barrhead


prices; and rises in car rental costs. Barrhead Travel president


Jacqueline Dobson said Florida, New York and Las Vegas were firm favourites for later this year and 2023, but added: “We’re conscious airfares are higher, so we’re really focusing on value – whether that’s a cruise, multi-centre trips or including attractions in the total cost.” Theme park specialists said major


parks such as Walt Disney World Florida and Universal Orlando were driving demand. Attraction Tickets chief executive Oliver Brendon said ‘tier two’ attractions were harder to sell but added: “We haven’t seen


any slowing down of demand.” Attraction World Group chief


operating officer Justin Mahoney said the company had enjoyed a 20% increase in the average number of passengers per booking this year versus 2019, suggesting “families are not being put off from booking”. Premier Holidays reported longer


durations and higher-value bookings, but urged agents to encourage early bookings. Product and commercial director Mark Godfrey said: “Exchange rates, availability and airfares are volatile so the best deals


are available to those who book early.” › Special Report, page 10


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Shutterstock/Luciano Mortula/LGM

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