Abta is calling on members to ensure their websites provide the right information to help holidaymakers with accessibility needs.
The association is highlighting the needs of disabled travellers and customers with accessibility issues, from impaired vision and hearing to mobility, and has updated its own website to include a section on accessible travel, with guidance for agents and consumers.
Abta has also issued a reminder to members that travel websites must meet legal requirements to make it easy for passengers with accessibility needs to view flight safety information.
The legal obligation is part of an EU regulation. It requires that all travel companies that sell flights, either on their own or as part of a package, must display the safety arrangements offered by the airlines to carry disabled passengers and restrictions in place due to the size of the aircraft.
This information could be provided via a hyperlink to the page of an airline’s website and could include, for example, assistance on getting on board and facilities on board or at the airport.
Nikki White, head of destinations and sustainability at Abta, said: “With an ageing population and significant numbers of consumers travelling with a range of accessibility needs, building clear, up-to-date and user-friendly websites is in everyone’s interest.
“It is important for travel firms to understand that this is a legal requirement and that failure to comply is an offence.”