Jenkinson, who has been Abta’s sustainability chief since May 2016, said she had “mixed feelings” about leaving Abta.

“I am so grateful to all the wonderful and passionate people across Abta and the industry that I’ve had the privilege to work with – people truly committed to creating a more sustainable travel industry,” said Jenkinson in a post on social media platform LinkedIn.

“I’ll share more in March on what is next for me, but for now this means that there is a truly fantastic opportunity for the right person to lead Abta’s work with members to build a more sustainable industry.”

Susan Deer, Abta’s director of industry relations, said Jenkinson had made an “important contribution” to the association’s work on sustainability, which included leading the production of the Tourism for Good report.

“Her knowledge and expertise has been extremely valuable in driving forward the agenda on a wide range of sustainability issues, from animal welfare standards to reducing plastics across the supply chain, and most recently looking at the tourism’s role in decarbonisation,” added Deer.

“I want to extend my thanks, on behalf of Abta and our members, for all of her work and wish her the best of luck for when she leaves us in a few months’ time for her new role. 

“Sustainability is at the heart of Abta’s strategic plan. We are currently recruiting for Clare’s replacement and are looking for someone who can lead this important work, collaborating with members and stakeholders from across the tourism and sustainability sectors.”

Abta is advertising for a new London-based head of sustainability on its website, with the role starting in March 2022 and a closing date for applications of 28 January.

The association is looking for candidates with experience and knowledge of sustainability issues in travel and tourism, as well as an “ability to engage on sustainability issues in the context of a commercial environment”.