CTA is supporting an initiative launched by ABTA which aims to highlight the plight of the tourism sector to MPs and decision makers and accelerate measures to support the sector including relaxation of the PTD.
The website www.savefuturetravel.co.uk is already up and running and generated more than 10,000 emails in the first day of operation. It is pre-loaded with template emails, which can be used by coach businesses using the built-in tour operator option. There are also email templates for employees of travel companies.
It is possible to edit the texts to personalise those for each business or personal situation, and we would encourage people to do so – albeit succinctly, as it helps MPs to feel more involved in the case.
The website highlights the need for temporary changes to the Package Travel Regulations by strengthening the regulatory basis and extending the window for refund credit notes, as a short-term alternative to cash refunds, which will provide businesses with vital breathing space, whilst ensuring all consumer protections are carried forward.
This measure may involve a delay for consumers in receiving their money, or booking a replacement holiday arrangement, but the alternative is mass travel company failures. That outcome would mean customers waiting longer to receive their money, and would also result in a far worse financial outcome for the Government, which acts as the financial guarantor of the UK’s holiday-based financial protection scheme.
The initiative is about supporting businesses through an entirely unforeseeable, and short-term, cashflow crunch – customers will not lose their right to a refund, and their money is not at risk.
Please visit the website and keep up the pressure on government.
Download the CTA #savefuturetravel graphic here for use on your own website/social media.
