DfT calls for ATOL feedback
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Travel agents have been encouraged to express their views into the ATOL scheme after the Department for Transport (DfT) called for feedback.
The consultation from the DfT aims to look into the funding of financial protection in the UK and has asked for the industry’s input.
It comes after the Air Travel Trust (ATT) moved back into surplus for the first time since 1996 at GBP18 million. The ATT received a total of GBP48.1m in funds collected from ATOL paid by 19.2m passengers in 2012, compared to GBP42.6m from 17.3m passengers in 2011.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive at ABTA, which has recently signed on 22 new members, said the association will be launching a programme to let its members voice their opinion on the scheme.
“Although it is very early in the process, this Call for Evidence may ultimately result in some fundamental changes to financial protection in the travel industry. As with all changes to policy it is important that the industry’s case is made early and made well and I urge all members, particularly ATOL-holders and other package travel organisers, to come forward with their views to help shape our response to Government,” he said.
No immediate changes have been announced for the ATOL scheme, which caused initial confusion last year when agency agreements and ATOL certificates were launched.
