Industry urged to keep up the pressure on false sickness claims
The travel industry is being encouraged to keep up the momentum in the fight against a rise in false holiday sickness claims.
ABTA, which launched a campaign – #StopSicknessScams – earlier this year, is urging travel companies to continue putting pressure on the Government, which has now agreed to take action.
The association says the industry now needs to make sure the changes are made as quickly as possible to close the the loophole in legislation that allows claims companies to unduly profit from sickness claims.
It says agents, hoteliers and operators should respond to the Government’s Call for Evidence, which is expected to be published soon.
"We strongly welcome the Government’s commitment to address the loophole in the law, and urge that this happens as quickly as possible," said chief executive Mark Tanzer.
"The loophole is allowing claims companies to unduly profit from false claims. Though this is real progress, ABTA will continue to raise consumer awareness of the issue and work with members on the campaign.
"Fake claims are tarnishing British holidaymakers’ reputation abroad and could lead to higher prices or less choice for honest holidaymakers. We will continue to work with Government to ensure that a long-term solution to this problem is found."
ABTA has this week released two new videos to highlight the risks of making a fraudulent sickness claim.
These will be shared online promoted through online advertising.
Members and industry partners are encouraged to share the videos through their own social media channels.
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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