Recent measures by the Government to control infection levels have resulted in fundamental aspects of package holiday protection being called into question. To avoid any doubt about ABTA’s position, the Board of Directors met this week and confirmed that package holiday customers should be offered a full refund in the event of Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to a destination at the time the customer is due to travel. 

The upholding of the protections of package holidays is in the long-term interest of Members, notwithstanding the harsh trading conditions, and it will give reassurance to customers at a time when confidence is essential. Of course, Members may well be able to offer affected customers alternative destinations or travel dates.

Airlines not refunding remains a significant aspect of the refund issue. Recognising this from the outset, ABTA has been doing all we can to help alleviate the cash flow problem for Members. We have pressurised the aviation regulators to enforce airline refund obligations, and we introduced the mechanism of Refund Credit Notes to allow time for airline refunds to come through. The airline problem persists, as the media are highlighting, and we shall keep up the pressure.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive