These are the questions I’d like to ask ABTA

What type of ABTA travel agencies aren’t protected within ABTA protection?

If the travel agency is a ABTA member why do you offer the ABTA Protection Plan?

Why don’t travel agencies explain what protection you get when booking?

Thanks Nicholas.

I received a response from ABTA:

Sorry you’re having problems getting an answer out of us but here goes.

1. Only online accommodation only suppliers for whom financial protection within ABTA is optional. Most have chosen to do so however and any who do not must make this clear and offer insurance to customers. In addition if an ABTA travel agent fails without making a booking for you ABTA cover is not offered. However this is virtually fraudulent and unlikely to occur and is easily avoided by obtaining a confirmation invoice from the supplier which agents are obliged to obtain and pass on to customers.

2. Because they will sell products such as airline tickets, car hire, accommodation only from non ABTA suppliers who do not provide financial protection in the event of their failure so the ABTA Protection plan can and does.

3. There is no legal obligation to do so though we encourage them to do so.

I hope this helps

Further information from ABTA, which I’m assuming is from my orignal email:

Dear Mr Cronian

Thank you for your recent e-mail.

ABTA provides protection for consumers in a number of ways. Let me explain.

First, consumers have the benefit of financial protection in the form of the Bonding Scheme. This pays out to consumers in the event of the financial collapse of a member company. Under this scheme clients are protected against the loss of money they have paid for a holiday which is not provided because the company fails before departure, or against any costs incurred for repatriation if the failure happens while they are abroad.

Secondly, we provide a means of complaining against member companies where a complaint concerns the quality of the holiday or the services provided. This is in the form of an arbitration scheme through which compensation can be sought if an amicable settlement has not been reached between consumer and company. The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators operates ABTA’s Scheme and the arbitrator’s decision is binding on both parties. This is offered as a low-cost alternative to court action.

Thirdly, we exercise control over our members through the ABTA Code of Conduct. Breaches of our Code mean that companies face direct action by us. The ABTA Legal Department has the responsibility of policing the Code. I should point out that the Code investigation is a disciplinary matter and will have no effect on any right you might have to claim compensation.

At ABTA we appreciate that every complaint is important to the consumer. However, in an attempt to deal fairly with all individuals we would appreciate that all contact is in writing, as a telephone call will delay the handling of further correspondence.

Yours Sincerely

Consumer Affairs Department