ABTA travel agents invited to join government virtual workshop on accessibility

ABTA is helping to facilitate a virtual workshop between travel agents and the Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group to look at making flying a better experience for disabled passengers and is encouraging agents to sign up.

The workshop will be online and will take place on Thursday 9 April, 2-4pm. Any ABTA travel agents interested in taking part can email publicaffairs@abta.co.uk to register.

Agents taking part in the workshop will have the opportunity to hear about, and contribute to, the work of the Implementation Group, which is supported by the Department for Transport.

The Group is working on implementing the 19 recommendations which came from Government’s Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group’s report,  following a review chaired by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson that concluded last year.

The recommendations cover areas such as training, information and non-visible impairments.

Julia Ogiehor, Policy and Trade Relations Manager, who represents ABTA on the Implementation Group, said:

“We know how important travel agents are in supporting customers with accessibility and mobility issues to travel, helping them get the right support and feel confident to make the trip.

“This is why we want agents involved in the conversation to help shape how the recommendations can be practically implemented. We look forward to hearing from agents and getting their views.”

Accessibility is a big focus for ABTA’s work, as well as being part of both the implementation and task and finish groups, ABTA is also working with members to help shape the guidance and support it provides to members, and recently published updated guidance for customers.

Notes to editors

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 3,500 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £41 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.

All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com