Abta has renewed its call on the government to radically reform the Atol scheme as the date for the Department of Transport’s proposals on the matter approaches.
Mark Tanzer, the association’s chief executive, said the current financial protection scheme is confused and confusing and has failed to keep up with changing booking habits, as collapses in the last three years have demonstrated.
He added the need for change is being backed by public opinion, with 93% of the more than 2,000 consumers surveyed in September regarding financial protection as being essential or important, not an optional add on.
Abta members feel as strongly about the need for change with 85% saying they want it to be extended to all holidays, 84% urging click throughs from airline websites to be included while 100% said airlines should be included in financial protection.
Tanzer said: “Positive reform of the ATOL scheme is long overdue. We must reinforce consumer confidence in the travel industry.
“The government clearly agrees that a modernised, easy to understand system is essential. If it wants to achieve that result it must pay attention to our recommendations.
“Our customers and our members deserve better than the unfair, unbalanced confusion that we have suffered in recent years. An opportunity for real and beneficial change has arrived, it must not be wasted.”