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Operator brings in lawyers to probe ABTA claims
Online operator Apartmentsabroad.com is seeking legal advice after claiming ABTA may have breached competition laws in accusing it of failing to honour bookings.
Newman Street issued a warning to its members that four non-ABTA companies, including Apartmentsabroad, failed to honour bookings following the collapse of an agency – believed to be Wardle Travel.
And in a move that has infuriated the operator, the association said any member dealing with the four firms may face increased levels of bonding “to reflect the potential for an increased level of claims against ABTA’s scheme of financial protection.”
Apartmentsabroad managing director Ian Thirlwall rejected claims that it failed to honour bookings and said legal action could follow.
“We totally refute the suggestions,” he said. “This refers to a single booking where client monies had not been passed to us by the failed agency. Under our terms and conditions therefore, no confirmed booking or contract existed. I fail to see how we can he held responsible for an ABTA agent in financial difficulty who fails to pass on client money.”
He claimed that ABTA’s own procedures recognise that companies supplying agents may deem a contract is not in place until full payment is made.
“If ABTA is seen to be discriminating against non-ABTA principals it could be argued that it is creating a closed shop, a restrictive practise,” added Thirlwall.
He confirmed he has instructed lawyers to investigate the position, believing the threat of increased bonding may deter agents from dealing with his company.
The three other operators named by ABTA are Escape2Travel, Key Resorts and Allstar Quality.
Report by Steve Jones
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