ABTA 2004: New rules for agents over sale of unbonded companies
Travel agents will be obligated from next year to inform their clients if a company does not offer financial protection.
In addition to making clear statements in brochures, agents will have to display posters about protection in their windows and hand out leaflets.
“It will be a requirement from our Code of Conduct that there will be total transparency,” said ABTA president Martin Wellings.
Mr Wellings said it would also be mandatory for agents to offer holidaymakers the chance to buy insurance to cover themselves against the failure of any unbonded company. It is expected that this will cost around £2.
“It’s our job to provide people with what they want, but it’s also our job to make sure we know what is covered.”
The new rules will be implemented throughout the 2005 season.
“We’re working out the final wordage for the leaflets and posters and hope to roll that out for the beginning of the summer. But it will take a little longer to get everything in place because holidaymakers have to adapt their brochures,” said Mr Wellings.
ABTA is backing a Civil Aviation Authority recommendation of a levy of between 50p and two pounds on the sale of flights, to provide financial protection in the event of their failure.
“It looks as though our system for members will come in before the government insists on a change in the law,” said ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds.
*See www.TravelMole.com for updated ABTA Convention news
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