Key guidance documents for Abta members on financial protection requirements have been updated in the wake of changes to Atol financial protection rules.
The revised guidance provides travel companies with information required to comply with changes in the law, saving them money in legal fees as well as helping avoid the risk of prosecution, according to the association.
Abta’s Business Support Manual covers core issues such as how financial protection works; the new wording members need for their brochures and websites and how to issue correct receipts, confirmations and Atol Certificates.
The Abta Code of Conduct has also been updated to make it mandatory for members to have properly-worded agency agreements in place.
A model agency agreement has been produced which satisfies all of the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Not having a properly-worded agreement in place has “potentially very serious implications” as consumers would not be able to claim from the CAA if an Atol holder failed and they would be referred to their retailer for a refund, Abta said.
Model booking conditions have also been produced that incorporate a correctly-worded statement about financial protection and model agency terms of business.
Head of member and legal services Simon Bunce said: “With the CAA now cracking down on companies that are not following the new Atol regulations, it is incredibly important that members get the whole process of incorporating the reforms into their working practices right. If they do not, they could be breaking the law.
“We are continuing to do all we can to help guide our members through the changes and if members follow the guidance in our Business Support Manual as well as using our model agency agreements, booking conditions and agency terms of business, both they and their customers will benefit.”
The Abta Business Support Manual and model agreements are all available on the members’ section of abta.com