Robert Shaw of CTA member Harry Shaw has become the new chair of CTA, succeeding John Wales, who has now stepped down as planned. Robert has been vice chair for the past three years and has served on the board for the past decade.

In a message to all CTA members, he says: “As a coach tour operator, I understand only too well how difficult 2020 has been for our sector. It has been heartbreaking to have to cancel holiday programmes when we know how desperate our loyal customers are to travel. And the stop-start approach to the rules has been a great frustration for us all, especially given the incredible work our sector has put into ensuring that coach tours and excursions are Covid-Safe.

“But above all, the abiding memory of 2020 will be the friendship and camaraderie that our industry has provided. We all know that the coach sector is special and is like a ‘family’ to which we all belong and can turn to in times of need. Now, more than ever, we need to work together, and CTA provides an invaluable role in uniting all parts of the sector so that we can all benefit.”

Two additional operators have also joined the board: Lucy Osborne, Leger/Shearings; and Emma Russell, Alfa Travel.

Robert Shaw also announced that the association’s flagship event, the Conference & Workshop has been rescheduled until May for 2021. CTA is now making early plans for this with colleagues in Liverpool, where it plans to host the event, and the event will be confirmed in a couple of months once it is clear that it can proceed.