The Package Travel Regulations

Introduction to the Package Travel Regulations

The roots of the current UK Package Travel Regulations trace back to the 1960s when UK tourists started to venture to Spain and the Mediterranean and the packaged travel industry picked up. During the 1970s there were various high profile failures, with thousands of passengers left stranded abroad at airports and significant sums of money owed to people yet to travel. Public pressure forced the UK Government to put in place a set of regulations to protect consumers. The Government subsequently set up the ATOL scheme in 1973, run and administered by the CAA and which provides protection for flight inclusive holidays.  In 1992 legislation was also put in place to protect consumers purchasing non-flight travel packages.  The 1992 Regulations were updated again in 2018 following the 2015 EU Package Directive.

How we can help travel businesses

ABTOT was specifically set up in 1993 to offer a straightforward, cost effective solution to the insolvency protection obligations imposed on travel businesses by the Travel Regulations. With an expert team, a range of accepted products and direct access to the leading travel bond underwriters, we work with travel businesses to find the correct solution for them. Find out more about The benefits of Travel Bonds (abtot.com)

How we protect the traveller

The ABTOT bond provides protection in the event of the travel organiser’s failure – it ensures guidance and assistance for the refund of customer monies for those who have paid but not yet travelled and will cover the costs of repatriation for those who are abroad at the time of the failure. All Members display the ABTOT logo and financial protection wording for their customers’ peace of mind and the 24/7 emergency assistance line means instant action in the event of a failure. As holidays can often be a significant expense from the household budget, usually paid months in advance of travel, customers are vulnerable to the risk of insolvency. Booking with an ABTOT protected Member removes that risk and assures the customer that their money and their holiday is in safe hands.
Regulatory change

The Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018 are under review at this time by the Government Department for Business and Trade. As an approved body, ABTOT is liaising with the Department for Business and Trade and other industry stakeholders regarding the proposed changes.