ABTA has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for a "coordinated strategy and clear communication ... supported by specific measures" from the government to protect travel industry jobs and aid in the industrys recovery
In the letter, Mark Tanzer, ABTA's chief executive asks for practical steps to be taken to protect "tens of thousands of jobs" with travel agency and tour operator businesses.
The practical steps outlined by ABTA include: ensuring quarantine measures are based on health and scientific advice, are proportionate and targeted only what is needed to protect public health; providing guidance and clarity on package holiday refunds, including clear, public confirmation that refund credit notes for ATOL package holidays and flights will be financially protected; and working with ABI and insurers to make sure adequate travel cover is available to customers when FCO restrictions are lifted.
The letter also highlights the need for the government to indicate its criteria for the transition from the current FCO advice against non-essential global travel to the re-opening of travel to destinations.
Mr Tanzer commented: "?We understand the Government must make difficult decisions and we?re grateful for the business support measures it has introduced to date, but our concern is that these will not be enough to avoid large scale job losses and business failures in the travel industry which will impact every region in the UK. ABTA is eager to contribute to Government efforts because we need a strategic and coordinated approach, supported by practical steps to save future travel and aid its recovery."
Additionally, ahead of the Transport Select Committee hearing with the CAA and Aviation Minister, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, ABTA has expressed its "extreme disappointment" at the government?s failure to make any statement on consumer financial protection during the COVID-19 crisis, saying this creates "consumer confusion and [is] placing increased strain on agents and operators."
