U.K. Trade Groups Merge

Two of the U.K.’s major trade associations, the Association of British Travel Agents and the Federation of Tour Operators, agreed to join forces on July 1.

The FTO is expected to retain its brand and become a unit of the ABTA, with representation on its board. The FTO intends to consolidate at ABTA’s headquarters.

In a joint statement, the associations said, “the FTO’s experience and knowledge in operational issues, particularly regarding health and safety issues, crisis management and responsible tourism, will complement ABTA’s role in financial protection, consumer standards and the provision of information.”