So we have had local elections, Euro elections, ABTA elections and now soon to be ITT elections - a week in politics is a lifetime! However we shouldn’t forget at least we have a democratic right which our forefathers fought for to give us freedom of speech and the right to vote – so whether in a political or business environment we should use it wisely. With the ABTA elections congratulations to John and by all accounts it was a very closely fought contest – commiserations to Daniele, however I am sure he will be still actively involved. John laid out a very clear manifesto to lobby the government for clarity on issues such as ATOL protection, APD and agent and operator failure – the grey area is now in black and white! John Hays at the ITT conference in Dubai has stated “It’s the government’s job to create a comprehensive system and the government and regulatory bodies have totally, absolutely and entirely failed the industry and consumers.” When there are events like these that hit the headlines, there is also the impact on the supplier and travel agents still trying to protect clients holidays and behind the scenes working long hours on top of their day job to ensure that the client still has a holiday to go on. In summary with ABTA and John at the helm setting their stall out on working together and lobbying government we should hopefully be clear moving forward on all such issues and ensure that we are protected as an industry as should be our mutual customers.

And on a final note back to our MPS at Westminster - What's the difference between the Government and the Mafia? At least one of them is organised!

Have a great weekend

Chris