To help our Members on their health and safety agendas the ABTA Destinations team work with destination governments, local authorities and suppliers. This collaboration includes providing updates on new and emerging themes that may impact the industry, as well as providing support, education and advice on matters relating to health & safety, crisis management and operational matters. 

Recently ABTA’s Senior Destinations Manager Angie Hills and Heather Pennock ABTA Destinations Manager, together with ABTA Partner IGI International travelled to the UAE to collaborate with the UAE Ministry of Economy, VisitUAE and the hosting Emirates of Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman to provide accommodation suppliers and handling agents with the opportunity to attend an accommodation health, safety and crisis management training seminar. 

Each seminar was opened by a senior representative from the Tourism Authorities of the hosting Emirate who welcomed ABTA and the delegates and reinforced the message that the safety and wellbeing of our mutual customers and staff should be at the heart of every business. ABTA and IGI’s presence in the country was most welcome to share knowledge and advice and provide an update on the new ABTA Health & Safety Technical guide.

The seminars included interactive practical advice and updates on the following subjects:

• The legal framework affecting tour operators and travel providers 
• Health & safety auditing and defect management & record keeping
• Food and water management: including supply chain management, food purchase, storage, preparation, allergens, water quality, legionella and wastewater management
• Accommodation safety: including fire safety, swimming pool safety, balconies, general safety, staff training, general accommodation security and room security
• Crisis and incident management: including illness management, information gathering and management, customer support and welfare.

The events were attended by more than 250 suppliers from a cross section of the tourism sector and included hoteliers, excursion providers, ground agents and local authority personnel and were well received. Delegates were provided with the ABTA Health & Safety Technical Guide for Accommodation Providers in English and Arabic so that they can use the information within their working environments.

Further destination projects are planned for 2019.