Louise Fitzpatrick, Senior Account Manager at Albatross Travel, and Chris Owens, Managing Director of Alpine Travel, have joined the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) Board of Directors. Louise previously served on the board for over five years, while Chris brings experience as a former board member at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Louise Fitzpatrick brings extensive experience from the hotel and wholesaler sectors, first joining the industry in 2003 before going on to serve coach operators in her role as National Account Manager Leisure at Marriot Hotels.
During this period, Louise was elected to CTA’s board, a role she held between 2014 and 2020. Joining Albatross Travel in March 2020, Louise provides UK-based coach operators with full tour packages for UK and Continental travel. Chris Owens has been Managing Director of coach operator Alpine Travel since 2002. Acquiring Silver Star Holidays in 2014 and Jones Holidays in 2017, Alpine Travel has a significant focus on the UK and European coach holidays and day trips.
Chris also brings industry representation experience from his participation with the CPT board, a role he has recently stepped down from after serving as one of the longest-standing members.
“The appointments of Chris Owens and Louise Fitzpatrick to CTA’s Board adds strong experience that will bring value to all our members,” says CTA Chair, Robert Shaw.
CTA Chair Robert Shaw, image by Stuart Render Tourism
“Louise and Chris will bring new ideas and vision for the challenges of today and the future, strengthening the voice of the coach tourism sector. We’re extremely happy to have them on the team and would like to thank them for their commitment.”
Louise Fitzpatrick adds: “I’m delighted to be back on the CTA board, and I’m excited to be working alongside other industry professionals who are passionate about making a valuable contribution to help this industry move forward.” Louise identifies encouraging a younger audience into coach tourism as one of her goals on the CTA board. “I would like to work with the board to encourage the sector to appeal to a younger audience,” says Louise. “Some operators do this very well, so it’s important that we encourage our wider membership to achieve this, sharing best practices as well as bringing in new ideas for the future of coach tourism.”
Chris Owens highlights the role of the CTA as a voice for the industry. He says: “Explaining to attractions, destinations, and regional tourism organisations, the huge financial value that coach tourism brings to them, is a key role of the CTA. “To achieve this, we’ve got to share our views and our experiences, and unify them as a strong voice. This is why being a member of the CTA and participating within the organisation is crucial.”
