This weekend sees the start of the main holiday exodus, the majority of schools have broken up and around two million people will be heading off for an overseas break, with many more holidaying at home.

ABTA’s press office has been very busy discussing this with the media and this morning an ABTA spokesperson was interviewed at Manchester airport by BBC Breakfast about departure numbers and the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. The media are also concentrating on the increased strength of the pound which is more good news for Members and for families looking to keep an eye on their spending.

As we enter the peak summer period we will also be active on our various health and safety initiatives including water safety as part of our Swim Safe campaign and balcony safety where we recently sent out a revised and updated poster for Members to distribute to those hotels which are popular with the age group who are most likely to indulge in risky behaviour. More information about these campaigns and copies of these posters can be downloaded in the Member Zone and we would urge Members to use these assets to help holidaymakers have happy and safe holidays this summer.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive