RHA and travel association ABTA have launched a partnership that the trade body says will enhance the benefits received by coach travel companies within each organisation’s membership and at the same time “amplify the voice of the coach travel sector.”
The collaboration will see ABTA and RHA Coaches increase their engagement in a range of areas, including public affairs. That will involve coach policy issues such as school travel post-Brexit and implementation of the Schengen area Entry/Exit System by the European Union.
New ways of bringing members into dialogue around sector-specific issues for coaches is also part of the work. ABTA has members that provide coach holidays and services, and says that it is looking forward to collaborating with RHA and coach operators to deepen relationships.
RHA adds that its coach sector members that join ABTA will benefit from services on offer by that body which include legal advice and financial protection solutions.
That “would help them to meet any obligations under the Package Travel Regulations while also benefitting from sector-specific insights through our mutual collaboration,” RHA continues.
Managing Director Richard Smith says that RHA is “delighted” to announce the partnership and believes that it will “deliver a formidable offering to support coach operators.”
Adds Mr Smith: “We are taking a great opportunity to align our established brands to collaborate on key industry priorities and build on the strength and depth of the services that we provide to our members.”
ABTA Director of Membership and Financial Protection Rachel Jordan echoes Mr Smith’s words. “Coach travel is a sector in its own right, and we know that our members have been facing some unique challenges, particularly around travel between the UK and the EU,” she says.
“Not only does this new partnership formalise an existing working relationship between ABTA and RHA Coaches, it also opens doors for greater collaboration, which will enhance our offer to new and existing coach members.”
Jason Edwards Travel is a member of both organisations. Managing Director Jason Edwards says that formally juxtaposing RHA and ABTA knowledge is beneficial to the coach industry.
Continues Mr Edwards: “I have recently become ABTA bonded… and it certainly gives our customers further peace of mind being associated with the iconic ABTA brand. Also, a joint voice on UK and European legislation can only be a benefit to operators and their customers. This new partnership is clearly a win, win for UK businesses.”
