Save Future Travel campaign results in 24,000 letters to MPs
ABTA’s Save Future Travel campaign to persuade the Government to amend the Package Travel Regulations to give tour operators more time to refund passengers for holidays cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in almost 24,000 letters sent to MPs backing the proposed changes.
The travel association said it is in contact with ‘a number’ of MPs who, it claims, have been ‘inundated’ with messages from supporters.
In addition, 55 travel firms have added their names to the campaign, which was launched last week.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "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.
"It’s essential that as an industry we keep up the pressure on decision-makers in Government to provide help. We’ve seen an overwhelming response to our ‘Save Future Travel’ campaign. Thank you to those that have supported the campaign and if you have yet to visit the website please do. Dozens of firms have pledged their support and are listed on the website, which is vital for audiences to see – we must continue to stand together."
As the Government has not yet agreed to amend the PTRs, ABTA is continuing to recommend members issue Refund Credit Notes in place of immediate cash refunds.
It has extended the validity of the RCNs to March 2021 but issued further guidance to members to ensure that they are ATOL protected, even though the CAA has yet to confirm that this is the case.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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