Who is ABTOT?
ABTOT is a UK Government-approved body that protects customers’money when they book a holiday with our Members. For over 30 years, we’ve helped travel organisers meet their financial protection obligations under the UK Package Travel Regulations and supported consumers when travel plans go wrong.
Our mission is to provide a range of products and services to ensure there is a cost effective and proportional financial protection solution for all our Members. We are B Corp certified and want to ensure that our standards and best practices keep improving. Being a responsible business is at the forefront of everything we do.
What ABTOT does ?
ABTOT focuses on three key areas:
- Protecting consumers’ holidays booked with ABTOT Members.
- Supporting Travel Organisers by providing approved financial protection, including bonds, FFI, ATOL Franchise and BCH.
- Maintaining industry standards through codes of conduct, ongoing monitoring and dispute resolution.
Expertise section
The ABTOT team combines expertise, experience and confidence to support Travel Organisers in navigating the UK Travel Regulations.
Working with our Associates, we provide wider business support, and through our Commercial Services we make direct introductions to market-leading travel distributors and travel technology providers. Our key strengths are:
- A 30-year track record of providing straightforward, cost-effective financial protection solutions.
- Clear, practical guidance — we cut through the jargon and support you through both the application and renewal process.
- Access to a range of business services, commercial products and the latest travel technology.
- Complimentary access to our webinar programme and in-person ABTOT Forums.
ABTOT has impressive credentials:
- Approved by Department for Business and Trade
- Appointed by the CAA to operate an ATOL Franchise scheme
- Operates Bonded Coach Holidays for CPT Members
Our Financial Protection Options
- Travel Bonds – insurance-backed, usually unsecured
- Financial Failure Insurance – pay-as-you-go protection
- ATOL Franchise – an easier route to obtaining an ATOL
- BCH – bonding for CPT coach operators
Consumer protection
ABTOT protects customers’ money in the event of an ABTOT or BCH Member failure. We ensure refunds and repatriation where required and oversee high standards of customer care.
ABTOT Members Directory | ABTOT Protected Travel Organisers or the Bonded Coach Holidays directory
How We Support Consumers
- First-step send complaint to ABTOT Member
- Second step if not happy with Members response, forward full details of customer complaint to ABTOT Membership.
- Third step – discuss the option of entering into Arbitration with ABTOT Membership and the Member.
ABTOT’s history
- ABTOT was established in 1993 to provide a cost-effective solution for Tour Operators needing to meet their obligations under the 1992 Package Travel Regulations.
- Over the past 30 years, ABTOT’s membership has grown to more than 400 specialist Travel Organisers. Members operate across a wide range of sectors, including adventure and activity, ski and winter sports, safari and wildlife, educational and volunteering, and cultural tours. Member turnover ranges from under £100,000 to over £2 million.
- In 2017, ABTOT was appointed an ATOL Franchisee, expanding the range of approved financial protection options available to Members.
- In 2021, ABTOT took over the Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) scheme — a consumer protection scheme exclusive to CPT coach package travel organisers.
- In 2025, ABTOT was awarded B Corp certification, recognising its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
ABTOT’s financial protection solutions are for:
- Tour Operators
- Travel Organisers
- Retail Travel Agents
- Coach operators
- Charities organising package holidays
- Linked Travel Arrangers
- Travel Start-ups organising package holidays
Why ABTOT?
- Government approved
- 30+ years of experience
- 400+ Members
- Accessible, supportive team
- Unsecured financial protection options
- Clear, transparent process
Thinking about ABTOT membership?
Contact our team to discuss whether ABTOT is the right fit for your travel business.
Call the team 0207 065 5313 or email enquiry@abtot.com
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