ABTA has teamed up with the Centre for Crisis Psychology to provide support to members and staff who have experienced a traumatic incident while on holiday.
Members will have access to a 24-hour helpline which gives advice on protecting the welfare of customers, relatives and staff after an incident. The centre can also send consultants to destinations at short notice to provide support and clinical advice.
CCP offers a range of training courses and carries out psychological assessments, bereavement support, and lifecoaching. They have previously worked with survivors of the Sharm El Sheikh bombings, the tsunami and 9/11.
ABTA’s head of consumer services and business development Keith Richards said: “If companies can properly manage the stress and trauma staff and customers suffer as a result of a serious incident, then not only have they morally done the right thing, but they have potentially saved their business.”
Thomas Cook Group director of quality, safety and social responsibility John de Vial said: “There is no doubt that their services indirectly assist in reducing claims, as well as enhancing the reputation of those who utilise their services.”