Working with the FCDO to support members, customers and confidence in travel

Travel can sometimes be shaped by events beyond our control, from natural disasters to health alerts and much more. The pace and complexity of change mean clear, reliable advice is vitally important.

This is why ABTA’s maintaining regular contact and collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) matters. It helps ensure official travel advice is understood by the industry and travellers alike, particularly when situations are developing quickly and members need clarity on what changing advice means for their operations, customer communications and support.

Recent events in the Middle East have shown the value of that connection. As airspace restrictions, cancellations and changing country advice created uncertainty, ABTA spoke regularly with our contacts at the FCDO and sought clarification on issues affecting members. Through that we were able to share accurate updates in operational bulletins, operational committee meetings and video conference calls, publish guidance on abta.com, and give ongoing updates in our media work and on social media.

ABTA’s work with the FCDO also helps your customers prepare before they go. We share clear advice on checking travel guidance, getting suitable insurance, understanding local laws and staying safe abroad. We also create our own content on related issues, including destination disruption, travel insurance, nightlife safety, methanol poisoning and what to do if plans change, communicated through social media videos, website advice, and media stories.

That work also supports the FCDO’s aim of reducing preventable incidents involving British nationals abroad which require consular assistance.

ABTA’s work with the FCDO sometimes goes on behind the scenes. However, it is an important part of how we help your customers to travel with confidence. By sharing clear advice, supporting members and helping travellers understand what to do when plans change, we play an important role in keeping people informed, prepared and safer when they travel.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive