ABTA News Page 14
Personal information compromised in ABTA website attack
ABTA has revealed some 43,000 people could be affected by a cyber-attack on its website. An “external infiltrator” exploited a technological vulnerability, according to the organisation, accessing data provided by ABTA customers and ABTA members themselves via the website.
Diamond Shortbreak Holidays ceases trading in UK
UK-based Diamond Shortbreak Holidays has ceased trading due to financial difficulties. As a result of the decision all holidays booked with the organisation are to be cancelled.
FCO advises against travel to The Gambia as political situation deteriorates
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has changed its level of advice to The Gambia and now advises against “all but essential” travel to the country. The decision comes as Gambian president Yahya Jammeh declared a 90-day state of emergency a day before his official mandate ends.
ABTA warns over sharp increase in UK holiday fraud
As the busiest holiday sales period of the year kicks off, ABTA is warning holidaymakers about the risks of booking with fraudulent companies. The campaign comes after seeing an increase in fake websites, online scams and non-compliant travel companies that have no financial protection in place.
Etihad welcomes ABTA to Abu Dhabi with digital first message
Etihad Airways chief executive, Peter Baumgartner, addressed the annual Travel Convention summit in Abu Dhabi earlier and took the opportunity to underline to conference delegates how the airline will continue to be a leader in the development of the aviation sector, through its approach to innovation and technological advancement. The airline continues to invest in a next-generation fleet and is expected to take delivery of its first Airbus 350 in 2017.
Tourism bodies seek to quell consumer fears over Brexit
With the peak travel season about to begin, British holidaymakers are set to discover the immediate effects of the vote to the Leave the European Union, with the pound falling and prices increasing abroad. ABTA has assured travellers that there will be no immediate change in European regulations in the face of the UK vote to exit the European Union, claiming: “People due to travel this summer will see little changes to their holiday.
ABTA boosted by new members
ABTA welcomed 11 new Members, five trading as duals, five trading as principals and one trading as a retail Member. Additionally, 10 new Partners joined the association from 1 January to 31 March 2016.
2m Brits expected to head overseas for Easter
In the midst of one of the busiest weekends for travel, many UK airports and the Eurostar have increased security patrols and enhanced security checks following explosions in Brussels on 22 March.
ABTA advises holidaymakers to book early
The Travel Association is advising holidaymakers to book their summer holidays early this year after new figures show a 6% year on year increase in bookings for overseas summer holidays with substantial increases for Spain (27%) and Portugal (32%), with Cyprus (14%) and Malta (15%) also selling well. Bookings to Greece are at similar levels to 2015 as are those to the USA.
Craig Stoehr steps down from ABTA Board of Directors
ABTA – The Travel Association has confirmed that Craig Stoehr, Group General Counsel at Thomas Cook Group plc, will step down from the ABTA Board of Directors, with immediate effect.
ABTA issues warning over online holiday fraud
ABTA is reminding consumers about the risks of booking their flights and holidays on fake websites, after seeing an increase in the number of customer enquiries reporting fraudulent travel company websites.
ABTA names Abu Dhabi ‘destination to watch’ for 2016
ABTA’s Travel Trends Report 2016 has revealed the ’12 Destinations to watch’ for 2016. The report, released in association with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office also highlights emerging and key trends in travel which will influence holiday habits in the year ahead.