The Coach Tourism Council (CTC) has revealed it is in good shape following its AGM.
The body has maintained member numbers at around 300 with 35 new companies and organisations joining over the past 12 months.
Other points highlighted include:
- the production of the first coach touring video and the launch of new logo under the banner ‘Join the coach party’;
- continuing affiliations with associations such as the CPT and European Tour Operators’ Association, which was further strengthened by the CTC becoming a founder member of the new European Alliance for Coach Tourism; and
- continued strong working relationships with VisitEngland and Tourism Ireland.
CTC Chairman Sean Taggart reported the majority of hotel groups had signed up to the CTC’s Hotel Charter, which sets out best practise for handling group business, and the CTC will work to promote this more in the future.
The industry is facing the ongoing challenge of a poor economy but he said members should keep moving forward. “It’s simply about out-performing the market and taking advantage of opportunities,” he said.
CTC CEO Chris Wales said the organisation had a busy year with 17 events including the annual Coach Holiday Conference which had been the best yet.
In the annual elections to the CTC Board there were six candidates standing for four vacancies. Congratulations go to two Board members who stood for re-election – Jane Duffelen of Shaws Coaches and Robert Shaw of Harry Shaw City Cruiser Coaches – and two new directors, Andrew Day of Towergate Chapman Stevens and Louise Fitzpatrick of Marriott Hotels. They have been elected for a three-year term for 2013-2016.
