ABTA news


EVENTS


Sickness seminar proves a success


ABTA’s first Handling Illness Claims Seminar, sponsored by Kennedys and Preverisk, took place in London on 9 February. Over 100 delegates gathered to hear from a range of experts on how best to deal with this problem, which is costing ABTA Members and their suppliers significant — and increasing — amounts of money. The event covered topics ranging from practical advice on implementing health and safety management procedures to guidance on how to assess whether a claim is potentially fraudulent. A key message from the seminar was that tour operators and


accommodation providers need to work closely together to identify potential problems, to put them in a beter position to deal effectively with genuine claims and defend fraudulent claims. Although progress has been made, ABTA has recently called


“The


Government is starting


to listen to industry


concerns but much more needs to be done”


for more action from the Government in a statement. “The doubling of the small claims track limit for personal injury claims shows the Government is starting to listen to industry concerns about holiday sickness claims, but much more needs to be done to protect the industry from unscrupulous practices. We need the Government to take further swiſt and decisive action to close legal loopholes that are being ruthlessly exploited by CMCs. “In particular, the Ministry of Justice has an opportunity


to include package holiday claims in the fixed costs regime. This would allow legitimate claimants access to justice, but make the overseas holiday market sector considerably less atractive to CMCs and reduce the eye-wateringly high legal fees currently charged in these cases.” Professor Rodney Cartwright, a microbiologist who has advised the industry on best practice for many years, pointed


out that despite a sharp increase in the volume of claims since 2012/13, the incidence of reported cases of gastric illness has decreased, or remains stable, across a range of countries since 2008. The rise in claims has been accompanied by an increase in the number of claims management companies (CMCs) working in this field. The growth in gastric illness claims will also be one of the key points


of discussion at the ‘What’s Behind the Numbers and What Can You Do?’ session at the ABTA Travel Law Seminar, in London on 23-24 May. For more information and to register for the event, visit abta.com


EVENTS UPCOMING


24 APRIL


Customer Insight in the Travel Industry


This practical one-day conference will explore how to gain


insight into customers at every touchpoint and how to use this intelligence to segment target


markets, personalise experiences and influence decision making.


Leading travel marketing and data analytics experts will demonstrate how to capture, measure and store valuable insight. abta.com


27 APRIL


Accessible Travel Seminar This event will look at how to


improve the inclusivity of facilities, services and products offered


to customers with access needs. There will be practical advice on how to meet this major market demand, with expert guidance


from people with access needs, disabled holidays and facilities specialists and forward thinking


mainstream travel agencies about how to integrate inclusivity into service provision. abta.com


17 MAY Crisis Management


Communications — Manchester With practical guidance to help plan and update a crisis communications strategy, the


seminar will provide attendees with insight and techniques


tailored for the industry. abta.com 23-24 MAY


The Travel Law Seminar Obituary


Norman Hunter It was with great regret that ABTA heard of the death of former employee Norman Hunter late last year. Norman joined the Association in 1973 and he remained involved until his retirement in 1987, acting as financial controller and finally as acting chief executive. Latterly, Norman remained in touch with ABTA, acting as financial advisor for the ABTA Benevolent Fund. He was a keen golfer, a sport he pursued until health issues intervened. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, with his relaxed humorous style, which was married to a keen intellect. Norman is survived by a son, Gordon, and several nephews.


Featuring a comprehensive regulatory update and an


informed forum, the delegate package also includes a


subscription to ABTA’s biannual Travel Law Today publication, which includes the latest news


and updates on a range of subjects covered at the seminar, affecting all travel businesses over the coming year. abta.com


countrybycountry.com | ABTA Magazine


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