Dealing with disruption – or planning for potential disruption – is part and parcel of working in travel. As a global industry we operate in a complex web of moving parts and there has been much in the news over the last week about issues that could affect people’s travel arrangements and incidents where people have experienced lengthy delays. 

ABTA has an important role to play during these times and we have been helping members, and customers, across a number of fronts over the last week.

Providing timely and accurate information about what is happening in destinations and across transport hubs is a fundamental part of what we do. Our operational bulletins service has been issuing information, as well as advice and guidance, on issues such as the critical incident in Dover, strike action at Heathrow and the ongoing protests in Peru. You can sign up to the operational bulletins here, selecting which regions are most relevant for you.

ABTA’s role in responding to emerging events extends beyond providing information. Often it means raising issues with government and other authorities on behalf of members, as we have done this week around the delays at Dover. We’ve highlighted the impact this has had on travel businesses and their customers, particularly coach companies and school trips. We’ve also sought clarity about the plans and preparations being put in place to avoid similar situations in the future.  

We also have an important role in advising media on what is happening and what it means for travellers. This week we’ve been on radio providing reassurance that the security strikes at Heathrow don’t seem to be causing significant issues, and the importance of following the HMPO’s advice to allow ten weeks when applying/renewing a passport, as media look at the impact of the month-long strike by Passport Office staff.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive