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Foreign Office funds new ABTA travel text service
Sunday, 06 Oct, 2009
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An email and mobile SMS text service will enable ABTA members to provide holiday information to travellers after they book, before they travel and in emergencies while they are away.
Travel technology company Mobile Trails has worked with ABTA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to develop the new communication system, known as ABTA Travel Buddy.
The FCO has provided funding for the service to ensure that there will be no cost to ABTA members or their customers.
The ABTA Travel Buddy email combines ‘Know Before You Go’ and destination information for holidaymakers in a formatted email before they travel.
In extraordinary circumstances, the service will provide text messages funded by the FCO so that customers can be located and provided with essential information and guidance.
The email information helps ABTA members provide information they are required to under the association’s Code of Conduct and includes details of FCO advice, reminders about the importance of travel insurance and, when appropriate, recommendations to visit a health professional before travel. The email also has space for ABTA members’ own essential travel information.
If a crisis was to occur in a holiday destination, the service will provide free text messages to customers who are there, so that they can be located and provided with guidance and advice.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “ABTA is providing this service to members at no cost to help them provide exemplary customer service, particularly at times of emergencies when fast and effective information is needed. Mobile phones are now used by nearly everyone when they travel.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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