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Issued: January 11, 2000
Increase in ABTA Membership Applications
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is delighted to announce a big increase in the number of applications received for membership.
A total of 118 applications for membership were received during 1999, which is a 13.5 percent rise on 1998. By comparison, only 10 members chose to leave the Association during the entire year.
Total office membership rose steadily, month on month, throughout 1999. In October, the total topped 7,500 for the first time in eight years closing the year at 7,575 total offices (as compared to 7,381 on 31/12/98).
Commenting on the membership application analysis for 1999, ABTA President, Steven Freudmann, said: "As we enter the 21st century, we are delighted to see statistical confirmation that travel agents and tour operators continue to value the worth of trading as an ABTA member. While we must always look at the reasons behind any member choosing to leave, we are pleased to note that currently more than ten times as many apply for membership."
- ends -
January 11, 2000
For further information contact: Keith Betton or Jackie Gibson
Tel: 020 7307 1900
Direct Fax: 020 7637 5626