United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
ATOL reform delayed until April
The travel industry has suceeded in persuading the Government to delay its ATOL reform deadline from January until April.
The Minister of State for Transport Theresa Villiers said it accepted that the industry would have insufficient time to make the necessary preparations to comply with the new requirements.
“This is partly due to the time needed to update IT systems and put in place the processes required to enable businesses to identify when a Flight Plus holiday has been formed,” she said.
“I expect to make a further announcement before the end of the year about decisions on the other ATOL reform issues in the consultation.”
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns, and those of the entire industry, on timescales: the January 1st implementation timetable had become untenable.
“This shows how important it is for our members, and the industry as a whole, to put our views to the Government in a robust way.
“While we support the current proposals as a first step towards improving the system of financial protection, the inclusion of holidays sold by airlines is an essential second step.
“Further, there are still important areas regarding the principles and practicalities of the reforms that need to be addressed by the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, we look forward to continuing to work closely with them on these.
“With a December announcement now expected by the Government, travel businesses must be given enough time to make necessary preparations, even with an April implementation timetable.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike