Abta has announced a new partnership with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to boost the voice of the coach travel sector.
- The collaboration aims to enhance member benefits, focusing on public affairs and policy issues related to coach travel.
- The partnership is set to provide RHA members access to legal advice and financial protection solutions offered by Abta.
- Abta members will benefit from the expertise and services provided by RHA Coaches, particularly for UK and EU travel.
- Key stakeholders believe the partnership will create a formidable offering for coach operators.
The travel association Abta has formed an important alliance with the Road Haulage Association’s RHA Coaches. This collaboration is aimed at amplifying the voice of the coach travel sector, enhancing the benefits available to companies within each organisation.
The partnership will primarily focus on public affairs activities, particularly coach policy issues that have emerged post-Brexit. It includes matters like school travel regulations and the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System. Through this alliance, both organisations anticipate a robust approach to addressing these challenges.
RHA Coaches, established in March 2021, provides various services for coach companies. By joining Abta, members of RHA Coaches will gain valuable access to Abta’s services, including legal advice and financial protection solutions. These resources are crucial for meeting obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.
The partnership cements a pre-existing working relationship between Abta and the RHA Coaches, offering an avenue for greater collaboration. Rachel Jordan, the membership and financial protection director at Abta, emphasises that this joint effort is expected to extend considerable benefits to current and prospective members.
Richard Smith, managing director of RHA, described the alliance as a ‘formidable offering’ that aligns the strengths of both brands. This collaboration aims to support coach operators by addressing key industry priorities and leveraging the depth of services provided to their members.
Jason Edwards, managing director of Jason Edwards Travel, asserts that the trusted knowledge and guidance from RHA Coaches, in tandem with Abta’s established support, will significantly guide the industry in the future.
The Abta-RHA partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening support for the coach travel sector.
