Former Minister, David Rutley, joins the ABTA Board of Directors
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dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 01/29/2026 - 08:23
David Rutley
The ABTA Board of Directors has appointed former Government minister and MP, David Rutley, to the Board with immediate effect.
David’s last ministerial role was at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) where he was Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories. His 14 years’ experience as an MP also saw him act as Minister for Food and Animal Welfare, among other roles.
Prior to his political career, David held a number of Director-level roles at well-known organisations including Barclays and Asda.
Ailsa Pollard, ABTA Chair, said:
“David’s experience, in particular in the FCDO, will bring new insights which will support the ABTA Board in their discussions on serving our members. The best Boards bring diverse experience and constructive challenge, and David is well placed to contribute both, offering significant and senior expertise in those areas of Government which are really important to our members and the sector more widely.”
David Rutley said:
"Travel and tourism is a vital and vibrant sector, making a significant contribution to the wider UK economy. In my experience, I have always found ABTA to be a highly trusted organisation, with well-respected views and opinions. In this new role, I am now looking forward to working hard for the travel industry, ABTA members and, ultimately, the millions of customers they serve.”
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 01/29/2026 - 08:23
David Rutley
The ABTA Board of Directors has appointed former Government minister and MP, David Rutley, to the Board with immediate effect.
David’s last ministerial role was at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) where he was Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories. His 14 years’ experience as an MP also saw him act as Minister for Food and Animal Welfare, among other roles.
Prior to his political career, David held a number of Director-level roles at well-known organisations including Barclays and Asda.
Ailsa Pollard, ABTA Chair, said:
“David’s experience, in particular in the FCDO, will bring new insights which will support the ABTA Board in their discussions on serving our members. The best Boards bring diverse experience and constructive challenge, and David is well placed to contribute both, offering significant and senior expertise in those areas of Government which are really important to our members and the sector more widely.”
David Rutley said:
"Travel and tourism is a vital and vibrant sector, making a significant contribution to the wider UK economy. In my experience, I have always found ABTA to be a highly trusted organisation, with well-respected views and opinions. In this new role, I am now looking forward to working hard for the travel industry, ABTA members and, ultimately, the millions of customers they serve.”
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
