The Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) has appointed Wendy Hartley-Scarff as its new Chief Executive.
She succeeds Mike Bugsgang, who stood down after three years at the end of December.
Ms Hartley-Scarff will be responsible for developing the future strategy of AGTO, including membership, events and marketing communications.
In a 25-year career, she has held senior positions in the travel industry at Reed Travel Exhibitions (World Travel Market), Stena Line and National Car Rental.
She has extensive experience of dealing with trade associations and tourist boards and served on the board of the Institute of Travel & Tourism for 10 years.
AGTO Director David Steele says: “I am delighted we have secured the services of Wendy Hartley-Scarff. She brings with her a wealth of experience covering the inbound, outbound and domestic tourism markets.
“Her contacts within these sectors will be highly beneficial to the Association and she will be introduced to our members at the forthcoming AGM at the Excursions Show in London on 27 January 2018.”
Ms Hartley-Scarff says: “The groups market makes a huge contribution to the UK’s tourism economy and offers great potential for expansion. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to join AGTO at such an exciting time in the organisation’s development.”
AGTO is a nationwide trade body that represents the interests of group organisers as well as those who provide services for group travel.
It has seven branches around the UK, and over 600 members.
