With effect from 13 July ABTA announces today that it is revamping and improving its arbitration scheme in partnership with a new arbitration handler CEDR [Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution]. Administration of the scheme will be streamlined to ensure speedier and cost-effective processing for consumers and also offers substantial savings of up to £168 per case for ABTA Members.

Charles Fachiri ABTA Consumer Affairs Manager said: “This is the most significant overhaul of the ABTA Arbitration scheme in its 40 year history. Not only will we be able to manage cases faster but CEDR are also able to offer us substantial costs savings which we have been able to pass on to Members. This is a win-win situation for consumers and Members and I and my team are looking forward to working closely with CEDR.”

Gregory Hunt, Director of CEDR Solve said “We are delighted to have been chosen by ABTA to provide the revamped Arbitration Scheme.  We have worked hard to improve the scheme, streamlining administration and cutting the cost of dispute resolution to parties.  Whilst we are traditionally better known for our mediation services, this scheme demonstrates the breadth of services we offer in dispute resolution and we are looking forward to working with ABTA, its Members and their customers for many years to come.”

For the first time ABTA is also publishing a list and biographies of the arbitrators who will be making decisions on cases. This greater transparency will serve to enhance the scheme’s reputation for balance and lack of bias. Finally customers will be able to apply for arbitration up to 18 months after returning from their holiday up from the previous limit of 12 months.