How Do I JoinABTOF membership falls into the following categories.
1) Full Membership is designed for all companies acting as organisers of holidays in France. The main examples of these are: Tour Operators (i.e. holiday companies complying with the Package Holiday Regulations 1982), transport companies (i.e ferries, airlines etc) and holiday agencies (i.e. companies who act as agents, advertising services for accommodation, hotel groups etc...) Please click Full Member Application Form 2013.pdf to download further details and an application form.
2) Affiliate Members are those companies who provide or wish to market their services to the above. Companies registered in Britain should click Affiliate Application Form 2013.pdf to download further information and an application form. Companies registered in France should click French Application Form 2013.pdf to download more information and an application form.
Still undecided? Below are recommendations from our current members In terms of focussed networking opportunities, straightforward advice and information, a really valuable conference and the sheer enjoyment of socialising with like minded professionals, ABTOF has no equal. And all for a bargain subscription! We are in this organisation because we want to be, not because we have to be. Robin Wilkins, MD, Seafrance. ABTOF's highly perceptive administration team keeps the membership in touch with the latest developments in the French market and has perfected the 'knack' of bringing together its members so that they actually want to attend meetings and discussion forums. This has provided a strong and resolute marketing force to push forward the promotion of France. Belonging to and taking an active part in ABTOF is essential to our business. Iris Matthews, Matthews Holidays
ABTOF has been an excellent way to focus our attentions on the wonderful holiday opportunities in France. Kirker Holidays has benefited from the networking, particularly the journalist contacts. Membership also demonstrates to potential business partners and clients how seriously we take this beautiful country. John MacNeill, Managing Director, Kirker Holidays
As a small holiday accommodation specialist in France, it has been a good investment for us. It is excellent at providing a generic view of French tourism and lifting our heads to look at the bigger picture. The contacts and knowledge that we’ve gained through events has really helped; legal advice, help with forming relationships with Tourist Offices in the regions, accounting and generally help with maintaining sanity by realising that you are not the only one facing the issues! If you are serious about your business and France, I would strongly recommend joining. Colin Bowles, Joie de Vivre ABTOF is a professional, well run body with clear objectives. As a small, specialist operator to France, ABTOF provides us with a louder voice than we could achieve on our own. It also provides an invaluable forum for industry issues and market conditions and a friendly atmosphere for all members. Russell Wheldon, Marketing Director, Mark Hammerton Group
If I were to compare ABTOF to a famous celebrity, I'd go for Jamie Oliver: passionate about what it believes in; professional but with the courage to challenge tradition; understands the importance of humour; doesn't cave in when the going gets tough, and values people above all else. It enjoys great relations with the press, the legal and professional bodies and selected training organisations. We've been members since the early days of 1993 - here's to the next 13 years! Catherine Crone, MD, Headwater Holidays ABTOF's role as a clearing house for journalists' enquiries is particularly useful, as is featuring our website on the ABTOF website. Stuart Mee, Drive Alive Holidays A really pro-active organisation which is both friendly and knowledgeable. It is 'the' organisation to belong to for a French Tour Operator. Susi Madron, Cycling for Softies
ABTOF's product knowledge/familiarisation trips run throughout the year which gives us a great opportunity for staff to improve their knowledge of the areas and products they sell. Also ideal for exploring new business opportunities with local suppliers who are often at hand to assist. Richard Grimsdale, The Camping and Caravanning Club
ABTOF have provided us with guidance on health and safety issues and assisted in producing inspection form for our properties, and have provided us with many excellent PR leads. David Williams, Great Escapes
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