ABTA is launching a free service that enables members to email or text information to customers.
Travel technology company Mobile Trails has worked with ABTA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to develop the system, ABTA Travel Buddy.
The FCO has paid for the service, which will be launched at ABTA’s Travel Convention in Barcelona, so there will be no cost for agents or customers.
Clients will receive an email before travelling, with the FCO’s ‘Know Before You Go’ advice and destination information. It will also include a reminder to buy travel insurance, and space for the ABTA member’s own information.
In an emergency, the FCO will provide free text messages to help locate customers and provide them with information and advice.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “ABTA is providing this service to members to help them provide exemplary customer service, particularly in emergencies when fast and effective information is needed.”