ABTA’s Special Advisor and 40-year travel industry veteran John de Vial is to leave at the end of the month after 12 years with the travel trade association.

Mr de Vial joined ABTA as a Director in January 2007. During that time his roles have encompassed Director of Financial Protection and Financial Services, Director of Membership and most recently Special Adviser and Director of ABTA Insurance PCC Ltd, ABTA’s wholly-owned subsidiary insurance company and Trustee of ABTA LifeLine, ABTA’s charity previously known as ABTA Benevolent Fund, set up in 1988.

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: “In the 12 years since he joined the ABTA team, John has overseen the running of an effective membership and financial protection operation that has dealt with significant company failures, and the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic.

“His management responsibilities have now been effectively transferred to a new generation of leaders, and he leaves a legacy operation that is respected and resilient. We wish John well in his future endeavours.”