Abta News
Rowland elected ABTA chairman during annual general meeting
Alistair Rowland has been elected chairman of ABTA following the annual general meeting. Chief retail officer with the Mid-Counties Co-operative, Rowland takes up his position with immediate effect.
UK airline insolvency review recommends new levy on passengers
The department for transport has recommended a levy of 50 pence per person on all flights to insure against the future collapse of UK-based airlines. The news comes as the government body publishes the final report from the independent airline insolvency review, which was chaired by Peter Bucks.
ABTA reveals thousands of UK holidaymakers hit by fraud
ABTA, Action Fraud and Get Safe Online are joining forces to warn the public about the dangers posed by holiday booking fraud and give advice on how to spot and avoid it.
European Parliament approves no-deal aviation arrangements
The European parliament has voted in support of UK airlines still being able to operate routes to and from the UK to EU countries, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
UK government confirms flight plans in event of no-deal Brexit
The UK government has confirmed that it will reciprocate the European Union’s arrangements for air travel in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This confirms that EU airlines will be able to continue to operate flights between the UK and the EU, even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
ABTA highlights growing importance of tourism to UK economy
The contribution to the UK economy from outbound travel has increased by a third since 2014, reveals ABTA. The overall contribution to the UK economy from outbound travel now stands at £37.1 billion and 1.8 per cent of GDP, up 36 per cent from £27.1 billion in 2014.
Book early for better deals urges ABTA
January and February are typically the travel industry’s ‘sales period’ with many deals, offers and free child places available, which can significantly affect the overall price of the holiday, saving people hundreds of pounds.
UK government seeks to reassure over ‘no-deal’ Brexit travel
Transport secretary Chris Grayling has argued travellers can “continue to book with confidence” following the latest developments in negotiations over Britain’s departure from the European Union.
ABTA reveals 4.7m Brits are set for winter getaways
ABTA estimates that over 4.7 million passengers are heading abroad over the Christmas and New Year period, with the peak travel day predicted to be December 21st.
ABTA to launch national ad campaign on Christmas Day
The campaign - entitled Travel with Confidence - will launch with a series of four different radio adverts, aiming to encourage people to book with an ABTA member while also increasing understanding of the organisation’s offer of support, protection and expertise.
Furious reaction from airlines as air passenger duty continues to rise
British chancellor Philip Hammond has confirmed air passenger duty will rise in line with inflation for long-haul flights during the annual budget - a decision greeted with a mixture of disbelief and anger among aviation stakeholders.
Tokyo, Japan, to host ABTA Travel Convention 2019
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, mixes the unique combination of traditional and modern culture, from neon-lit signs and skyscrapers to historic temples that Japan is so well known for.