Fuel supply headlines – holidays are still going ahead

The last few days have seen increased media coverage about fuel availability, and headlines suggesting mass disruption to upcoming holidays.

Understandably, customers are asking whether they should still travel, whether their flight will depart, and whether their holiday plans need to change.

Holidays are still happening and the vast majority of customers will travel as planned. Where any disruption does occur, members are well placed to support customers and provide clear advice on the best next steps.

Since the crisis in the Middle East began, we have been active across all of our communications channels cutting through the noise, providing balanced information, and helping support customers, always encouraging them to book a package through an ABTA member.

Since the media started to focus predominantly on jet fuel, our messaging has featured over 60 times within national, regional and trade publications as well as broadcast media channels.

In the past week alone, we have been reassuring holidaymakers through our social media channels which have been seen by over half a million people. We have a dedicated section on abta.com that explains the current situation and signposts to relevant FAQs.

We know many members are receiving messages triggered by the headlines. Our priority is to help you respond with confidence and consistency, and to ensure customers receive accurate and practical reassurance. We’re also running our ‘Travel with confidence’ campaign from mid May aimed at consumers who are yet to book their summer holiday, highlighting that they can still get the holiday they want, at the price they want to pay by talking to an ABTA member travel company.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as the situation evolves. 

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive