Abta’s recent decision to increase membership fees by 7% remains controversial amongst its members. Opinions are split over the fairness of the hike, with some members expressing significant dissatisfaction. Critics argue the fee rise does not account for individual circumstances, such as previous fee concessions during the pandemic. The association has justified the increase as necessary to recover from past financial losses. Members’ diverse responses highlight ongoing tensions within the travel community.
Abta’s decision to implement a 7% increase in membership fees for the 2024-25 period has sparked a range of reactions from members within the industry. This decision marks a return to pre-pandemic assessment methods for members’ businesses, implying that while some agents may find their fees higher than previously expected, others might see negligible changes.
Notably, some agents have reported a substantial increase, with fees more than doubling the headline figure. Jill Waite, director of Pole Travel, expressed her concerns: “My subs have gone up by more than 15%. It’s getting expensive to be in Abta.” Waite noted the burden of paying for services not relevant to her business, compounded by ongoing financial constraints.
On the other hand, some members seem less perturbed by the fee increase. As Peter Cookson of Spear Travels pointed out, the proportional nature of the fee related to turnover is considered fair by some, as it reflects business size rather than a flat rate. Chris Bailey from Bailey’s Travel echoed this sentiment, suggesting that in the broader financial context, the increase is manageable.
Abta explained that those with the largest rises in turnover since the pandemic would naturally face higher subscription rates, as the fees are calculated using the most recent annual turnover figures. According to Danny Waine, Abta’s head of membership, one-third of members will actually see reduced subscription fees compared to the previous year.
The association emphasised that the current increase should be viewed in light of previous years when membership fees were substantially reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abta had utilised £3 million from its reserves to cover the deficit caused by those reductions. By reinstating higher fees, the association aims to recoup losses over time, asserting that most members are no longer repaying any government-backed loans.
The divergent reactions among Abta members underscore persistent challenges in aligning financial strategies with member expectations.
