ABTA has issued guidance for members on holiday amendments and refunds, as well as calling on the government to provide clarity and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The guidance, which is on the members' zone of the ABTA website, on refund credit notes sets out standardised rules to ensure travellers are protected, particularly around insolvency. It clarifies what information needs to be included in a refund credit note, reiterating that they are not the same as vouchers, which do not offer financial protection. Refund credit notes allow customers to rebook a holiday at future date or receive a cash refund when the note expires, if the original booking was for a package holiday.
ABTA, meanwhile, continues its #SaveFutureTravel campaign, in which it is lobbying the government to amend Package Travel Regulations, continues to attract a groundswell of support. Nearly 24,000 letters have been sent to MPs via the microsite which was created for the campaign. The association is in contact with a number of MPs who have been inundated with messages from supporters. Agents are urged to share any replies from MPs with ABTA?s Public Affairs team at savefuturetravel@abta.co.uk.
In addition, 55 travel firms have so far shared their logos to give additional support to the campaign, these can be seen here: www.savefuturetravel.co.uk/campaign-supporters
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, commebted: ?In the absence of any help or information from the Government, ABTA is continuing to provide guidance to help businesses affected by the pandemic who have not received money back from suppliers and who are not in a position to provide refunds in 14 days. It is important that ABTA Members understand and adhere to the rules around Refund Credit Notes as this will really help to prevent confusion and provide reassurance to customers. Many other European countries have already taken action to help travel businesses while preserving consumer protection, while the UK Government continues to drag its feet."
