The Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) www.agto.co.ukhas announced the appointment of Wendy Hartley-Scarff as its new Chief Executive. She succeeds Mike Bugsgang who stood down from the role after a three-year term of office at the end of December 2017.

Ms Hartley-Scarff will take up the position in mid January 2018 and will be responsible for developing the future strategy of AGTO including membership, events and marketing communications. In a career spanning over 25 years, she has held senior positions in the travel industry at Reed Travel Exhibitions (World Travel Market), Stena Line and National Car Rental.

Wendy has extensive experience of dealing with trade associations and tourist boards and served on the board of the Institute of Travel & Tourism for 10 years.

Commenting on the appointment, AGTO Director, David Steele, said: “I am delighted we have secured the services of Wendy Hartley-Scarff, she brings with her a wealth of experience covering the inbound, outbound and domestic tourism markets. Her contacts within these sectors will be highly beneficial to the Association and she will be introduced to our members at the forthcoming AGM at the Excursions Show in London on 27 January 2018.”

Wendy Hartley-Scarff said: “The groups market makes a huge contribution to the UK’s tourism economy and offers great potential for expansion. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to join AGTO at such an exciting time in the organisation’s development.”

AGTO is a nationwide trade body that has been representing the interests of group organisers as well as those who provide services for group travel, for over 25 years. The Association has 7 Branches around the UK with over 600 members comprising mainly group organisers but also suppliers to the groups market that provide GTOs with information on everything from tours, cruises, hotels and destinations to museums, galleries, gardens and attractions.