ABTA is planning to launch a service for agents to send text messages to their customers in the event of an emergency.
The move is an extension of ABTA’s text message alert service for its members introduced in May. The free service alerts members to serious global incidents that could affect their customers.
The new service will also use Mobiletrails, a company which provides SMS communcations for the travel and sport sectors. Agents will be able to text their customers in the event of an emergency to provide advice or check they are safe.
The service could also be used to offer destination information for holidaymakers. The customer could pay per text or the cost could be bundled into a package.
ABTA head of business development and consumer affairs Keith Richards said: “This could be an extra income for agents and another way for them to add value.”
A date has not yet been set for the launch.