Abta reports rise in members using joint Atol scheme

An additional three companies are currently going through the application process.

The scheme was introduced in 2012 to provide a simple and cost-effective scheme enabling members to apply for an Atol licence through the association with lower fees.

The scheme is aimed at smaller and medium-sized travel businesses with a licensable turnover of less than £1.5 million.

Abta head of financial protection John de Vial said: “The Abta-Atol joint administration scheme represents a very significant member benefit and it has been a great success since it was introduced in 2012.

“In the last 12 months we have seen a significant increase in members using the scheme and we believe that the majority of Abta members for whom the Abta/Atol scheme provides a good fit for their business have now signed up.”

The scheme provides:

• A saving of up to £1,180 for the initial application, with a guaranteed initial minimum saving of £345, versus the CAA’s licence costs.
• Abta’s Atol licence fee is £710 compared with £1,115 for a Small Business ATOL (SBA) and £1,890 for a Standard ATOL.
• Abta’s annual renewal fee is £495 compared with £780 for an SBA renewal and £1,185 for a standard Atol renewal.