ABTA calls for more time and consultation on ‘broader’ ATOL changes
ABTA is calling for extra time and consultation on some of the additional elements of ATOL reforms which don’t fall directly under the Package Travel Directive.
While it acknowledges the need for a ‘smooth and efficient implementation’ of the PTD on July 1, it said there should be further ‘thorough’ consultation to flesh out the detail of any ‘broader changes’.
It also asked the Department for Transport to give travel businesses time to adapt to PTD before taking on more changes.
"Some of what the CAA is proposing goes beyond what is required by the PTD," said Simon Bunce, ABTA director of legal affairs.
"While many of the additional issues raised have merit, more detail is needed to fully understand how it would work in practice.
"We believe anything which is additional to PTD should not be brought in by 1 July, instead further consultation should be done with industry to flesh out the detail, and give businesses time to adapt to PTD before taking on more changes.
"The industry has been waiting a long time for clarity about their obligations when selling holidays from 1 July and is still waiting for the final detail.
"There is nothing to be gained from rushing through further changes that are not immediately necessary and have not been fully thought through when travel companies already have a lot to do to comply with PTD, not to mention other regulation changes such as GDPR."
ABTA said its members have raised questions about online ATOL certificates and more detail is needed on the costs, speed and funding of the system.
It said members also wanted ‘fully worked up’ proposals explaining what will be expected of ATOL holders in terms of providing information before and after sale, and want this to be open for consultation.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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