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Tag: Coach Tourism Council

Robert Shaw to head up the Coach Tourism Association

Robert Shaw, director of Coventry-based coach tour operator Harry Shaw (City Cruiser Holidays Ltd) has been appointed chair of the Coach Tourism Association (CTA). He succeeds John Wales who has stepped down after nearly three years in the post.

Robert Shaw is the new chair of the Coach Tourism Association

This is the first time the CTA has been led by a coach operator. Previous chairs have included Sean Taggart and Denise Bridges from tour wholesaler Albatross Travel.

Today, the CTA, which was established in 1989 as the Coach Tourism Council to bring the coach tourism industry together and to promote travel and tourism by coach, represents around 130 UK coach tour operators and coach tour wholesalers, and around 150 coach tourism suppliers.

Writing to members, Robert Shaw says: “As a coach tour operator, I understand only too well how difficult 2020 has been for our sector. It has been heart-breaking to have to cancel holiday programmes when we know how desperate our loyal customers are to travel. And the stop-start approach to the rules has been a great frustration for us all, especially given the incredible work our sector has put into ensuring that coach tours and excursions are Covid-Safe.

“But above all, the abiding memory of 2020 will be the friendship and camaraderie that our industry has provided. We all know that the coach sector is special and is like a ‘family’ to which we all belong and can turn to in times of need. And I feel the same about the industry’s associations which is why I have been such a passionate supporter of the CTA for so long and been delighted to have served on its board to play a part in helping it grow and prosper.”

Looking ahead to 2021, the CTA says it will be hosting a series of online sessions, including ones in partnership with national tourism bodies, and a range of training and inspirational topics to keep members informed, engaged and entertained.

The annual Coach Tourism Conference and Workshop, planned for February 2021, has been postponed to May.

For more information about the CTA, go to www.coachtourismassociation.co.uk

Coach Tourism Council changes name

The Coach Tourism Council has become the Coach Tourism Association as the trade organisation moves to better describe its purpose.

Announcing the change at the CTA AGM held on 8 August, Chairman Denise Bridges said that the term ‘Council’ was misleading and that the new name more accurately describes the trade organisation. A new logo has been designed that maintains the organisation’s green theme.

CTA logo master

Brian Way, the owner of Wayahead Travel in Bournemouth, was elected to the CTA Board. He joins chair Denise Bridges of Albatross Travel, vice chair Jane Duffelen of Shaws Coaches, Robert Shaw of Harry Shaw, and Louise Fitzpatrick of Marriott Hotels who were all returned unopposed.

Members heard that the CTA is to support an initiative for a comprehensive survey to help the coach tourism industry plan for the future and exploit the potential to increase the number of people taking coach tours. For more information, go to www.coachtourismassociation.co.uk

The AGM formed part of a weekend hosted by QHotels at its 4-star Cheltenham Chase Hotel. Members enjoyed familiarisation visits to Gloucester and the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, as well as the traditional CTA summer barbeque.

Dan Kelly, general manager of the Cheltenham Chase Hotel, says: “We were delighted to welcome CTA members to our hotel. With 122 rooms, and our location just off the M5, we regularly welcome groups of all sizes.”

Coach Tourism Association
Brian Way, of Wayahead Travel, is welcomed to the CTA Board by chairman Denise Bridges