Paul Carter becomes chairman of the Safer Tourism Foundation during a major organisational rebranding.
- The Foundation introduces a modernised branding and user-friendly website.
- Carter emphasises extending the Safer Tourism Pledge to more travel operators.
- Foundation aims to heighten consumer campaigns using travel incident data.
- The organisation continues its mission to prevent harm, broadening its scope since its inception.
The Safer Tourism Foundation has appointed Paul Carter as its new chairman, succeeding Ian Ailles at a critical juncture of organisational transformation. This announcement coincides with the unveiling of the Foundation’s new branding and website. Carter, a former CEO of Hotelplan UK, has expressed immense pride in taking over the role. On his appointment, he stated, “I’m pleased to be taking on the chair role at a pivotal time for us as we look to include more travel operators as signatories to the Safer Tourism Pledge and as we further develop our consumer campaigns, informed by the insights from the travel incident data we collect.”
The Safer Tourism Pledge, a hallmark of the Foundation, is designed to acknowledge travel operators and organisations excelling in safety management standards. Distinguished partners in this pledge include Hotelplan UK, Audley Travel, and the Advantage Travel Partnership. Carter himself is no stranger to the Foundation; as a trustee, he brings over 30 years of experience in hospitality, travel, and membership sectors, having initiated his career with Crystal Holidays and later holding significant roles at Cendant and Wyndham before his tenure at Hotelplan.
In line with Carter’s appointment, the Foundation has launched a revamped logo, colour palette, and an enhanced, user-friendly website. These updates include a range of brand assets available to partners to promote their commitment to the Safer Tourism Pledge. Kathy Atkinson, the Foundation’s CEO, underscored the importance of these changes, noting that the new branding and tools are aligned with the organisation’s campaigning nature, hoping to encourage partners to highlight their involvement and enhance customer safety as part of broader environmental, social, and governance goals.
Initially established in 2016 following a tragic incident involving carbon monoxide poisoning, the Foundation continues to promote awareness on various dangers including transport risks, activities, water safety, allergic reactions, and falls. Sharon Wood, the initiator and mother of the victims, sought to create a positive legacy out of her family’s tragedy, leading to the formation of this pivotal organisation. Since its establishment, the Foundation has expanded its remit significantly, now utilising travel incident data to inform and advance its campaigns.
Paul Carter’s leadership is set to steer the Safer Tourism Foundation into a transformative era of heightened safety standards in the travel industry.
