PRESS RELEASE

Issued: April 18, 2000

ABTA Travel Industry Partner Steering Group

The Association of British Travel Agents has announced the names of the newly elected members of the Travel Industry Partner (TIP) Steering Group for 2000-2001. They cover the eight broad categories of TIPs.

• Tricia Handley London City Airport (Aviation)
• Damian OBrien Irish Tourist Board (Destinations)
• Caroline Horrigan TTENTO (Education)
• Neil Hogarth Chauntry Corporation (IT)
• Louise Cowgill Forte Hotel Group (Operations A)
• Derek Ketteridge Ketteridge Group Limited (Operations B)
• Keith Searby Marketeer Plc (Services)
• Daragh OReilly Irish Ferries (Transport)

All of these representatives, apart from Louise Cowgill who is elected onto the group for the first time, are undertaking a second term on the Steering Group.

Tricia Handley, London City Airport, said: "The last year has seen the Travel Industry Partners really benefit from the scheme. Involvement with ABTA Members and regular TIP meetings have allowed us to maximise the relationship benefits."

During 1999-2000, the Steering Groups first year in operation, four meetings were held. They set their own agenda, which included assisting in the organisation of two TIP Open Days at Newman Street, giving valuable input to the ABTA Convention planning, and strengthening the programme to ensure that TIPs continue to receive value from their membership and commitment to the scheme.

A survey of the Travel Industry Partners has recently been completed and the results are broadly positive. Suggestions made in the survey will form part of the agenda for 2000-2001. It is also likely to include looking at ways to develop TIPs participation in the annual ABTA Convention and discussions are also planned on closer involvement during World Travel Market. The next meeting date is set for Wednesday, July 5^th.

Victoria Poland, ABTAs Manager of Member Services, said: "We are delighted to welcome back the majority of the representatives on the TIP Steering Group for a second term. With their support and enthusiasm, I am convinced that we will be able to build on the success of our first year and continue to strengthen the programme."

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Notes for Editors:

The Chairman of the Steering Group is rotated meeting to meeting. The group has up to eight, but no fewer than four, Travel Industry Partner representatives who are elected annually for a one-year term (renewable, by election, to a maximum of six years).

The Group, established by and reporting to the ABTA Board of Directors, was set up to strengthen the links between TIPs and ABTA Members. They discuss issues of common interest and convey their views on these issues to the ABTA Secretariat and the Board or relevant Committees, as appropriate

April 18, 2000

For further information contact: Keith Betton or Jackie Gibson

Tel: 020 7307 1900 (Office hours)

Direct Fax: 020 7637 5626