06 Mar
2014

Travel Essentials – event round-up

ABTA brought together Members of all sizes and specialisms for last week’s Travel Essentials two-day event, sponsored by Parabis Group.

This interactive event offered delegates, who have crisis and health and safety responsibilities as part of their role, a variety of practical exercises and examples, as well as the opportunity to share their experiences and hear from a range of crisis and health and safety experts working both in and outside of the travel industry.

The key message from day one was that all types of company, regardless of size can put together a crisis management plan even if they have never had one before. Having this plan in place enables companies to react quickly if a crisis affects them and their customers, and it should be a live document which is reviewed, refreshed, trained in and tested on a regular basis.

On day two Members were encouraged to analyse the risks associated with a variety of health and safety scenarios, looking at both the legal requirements as well as the operational aspects of health and safety management.

At the end of each day delegates received an ABTA guidance document, which provides vital assistance in reviewing and developing crisis and health and safety policies and procedures. All Members can download their own copy of the guidance from the Members area.

Some Members were surprised to learn of the assistance and support ABTA can provide them and how gaining insight into critical business advice and guidance can be as simple as signing up to ABTA’s operational bulletins.

Nikki White, Head of Destinations and Sustainability said: “It was very encouraging to see Members tackling what can appear difficult subjects. Crisis situations and health and safety matters can develop at any time and on any scale so it’s vital to be prepared so you can respond quickly and effectively to protect your customers and your business.”

Claire Mulligan, Partner/Head of Travel Law, Plexus Law said: “Once again Plexus Law and sister firm Argent Health & Safety were delighted to be headline sponsors of the Travel Essentials event. Along with a first class agenda presented by leading industry speakers the opportunity to meet and network with colleagues from within the market proved invaluable. This event is now firmly established as a key date in our annual calendar of must attend activities.”

The Travel Essential event is part of ABTA’s ongoing programme of training events, visit the Events and Training section to find out about future events.