ABTA urged to add direct clause

ABTA urged to add direct clause

ABTA is being asked to consider adding a clause to its code of conduct to stop operators putting direct numbers throughout brochures.

Agents say drawing up a new rule that members must agree to adhere to is the only way to put a halt to the practice. ARTAC chief executive Julian Foster is asking ARTAC chairman and ABTAboard member Colin Heal to raise the subject at the next meeting of the 18-strong body of travel agents and operators.

Foster said: “It’s something we will definitely take forward. We don’t believe there should never be a direct number – but it should just be on the back page, not on every page.”

His idea has the backing of Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association vice-president Willie Stewart, who said ABTA’s proposed guidelines don’t go far enough.

The guidelines only urge operators to give equal prominence to promoting agents and direct information in brochures.

An ABTAspokesman said: “The code of conduct is not designed to regulate members’ commercial activities.”