In resolving my dispute, is Arbitration truly independent of the travel industry?

ABTA’s Arbitration Scheme is run by Hunt ADR Travel Arbitration – Hunt ADR. This company is entirely separate from ABTA and its members.

An Arbitrator is a neutral person who makes a legal and binding decision (an award) after considering the evidence that both the claimant and respondent submit.  
The role of an Arbitrator is similar to that of a judge and the award will be conducted fairly and neutrally. Arbitration is a legal process and the Arbitrator must make his or her decision based on the law.

All arbitrators used by Hunt ADR are trained arbitrators, with the vast majority trained by The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Many are Chartered Arbitrators, and those who are not have demonstrated to Hunt ADR that they possess the right skills and aptitude to be considered for appointment.

About the Arbitration scheme
The main difference between Arbitration and a court is that the Arbitrator will assess your claim on documentation only, which may include video or photographic evidence. The Arbitrator will review your claim and the company's defence and issue a legally binding decision - the award.

Next steps
Read about ABTA’s ADR service and the Arbitration process here.