The Coach Tourism Association (CTA) has appointed experienced tourism professional Andrew Guthrie as the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer. The well-known industry figurehead started the role on 20 April and will oversee the organisation’s management as the CTA continues to grow.

The new role will manage the organisation’s internal governance and infrastructure, as well as guiding the CTA’s strategic direction and its position alongside wider industry organisations and stakeholders. The CEO will report to the CTA board of directors, led by CTA chair Robert Shaw.

In his role as CEO, Andrew will be supported by CTA Operations Director, Isabelle Sanzelle, who is advising on the organisation’s strategy, as well as managing the organisation on an ongoing basis. Andrew will also be supported by CTA Communications Director, Helen Bowron, who manages member relations and plans the organisation’s key events. Communications specialist Alex Byles will continue to provide media, social media, and member communications to the CTA.

“As the CTA membership grows and the organisation’s remit expands, Andrew will be responsible for implementing the infrastructure that will enable the organisation to respond to these new demands,” says Robert Shaw. “The CTA has an effective managerial team in place, and with Andrew’s experience and extensive industry connections supporting our capabilities, he will bring these advantages to the fore to support the organisation’s onward progression.”

Beginning his career with Saga Holidays as UK contracts manager in the early ‘80s following a degree in economics and politics, Andrew went on to roles managing UK inbound Japanese tourism during the ‘90s boom era, including eight years at Nippon Travel Agency and seven years at Trafalgar Tours as the company’s Japan division lead. Most recently, Andrew was a director of Jactravel’s Groups Division with full responsibility for the organisation’s contracting and operations. Until February 2024, Andrew was delighted to serve as a board member at UKInbound.

As a result of this experience, Andrew has worked very closely throughout his career with the UK’s operators, wholesalers, and suppliers to the coach tourism industry.

“I’m very keen to use the background I have, working with coach operators and stakeholders in the sector, to support the CTA’s existing and growing membership through the current challenges, and to help guide the membership to take advantage of the opportunities to come,” says Andrew.

CTA members can meet new CEO Andrew Guthrie at CTA Spring Networking, taking place in Cardiff, 9-11 May, which also features the organisation’s AGM.