ABTA January 2006

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. October 14, 2008

LONDON, U.K., January 13, 2006.

BIRD FLU IN TURKEY. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a number of cases of bird flu in humans in Turkey during January. The situation there is very similar to the kinds of outbreaks in south east Asia, which have been occurring since 2003 and there is still no evidence of human to human transmission of the disease. The Foreign Office, which takes advice on this issue from the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health, has not changed its advice to Turkey as they report that the risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided travellers avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. They also advise travellers to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. Full advice can be found at www.fco.gov.uk or by contacting the Foreign Office on 0845 850 2829. For any further assistance, please contact ABTA Corporate Affairs Department ([email protected]) on 020 7307 1900.

ELECTION TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Andrew Dickson has resigned from the ABTA Board. Nominations are invited for the vacancy in Retail Band A (Members with an annual retail turnover of under lb10 million) to complete his term until the 2007 AGM. Please contact Susan Parsons ([email protected]) on 020 7307 1915 for nomination forms. The deadline for nominations is 1700 hours on Thursday 26 January.

IDENTITY OF OPERATING CARRIER. Members are reminded that the provisions for the rules on the Identity of the Operating Carrier come into force on 16 January 2006. These will establish an EU-consolidated blacklist of airlines and an obligation to communicate safety information to customers. Members should note that in six months time, they will be required to inform passengers of the airline they will be travelling with at the time of reservation and where a change of carrier occurs, passengers should be informed at check in or at the time of boarding. Full details can be found at www.abtamembers.org/aviation/identitycarrier.pdf. For further information, please also see the European Commission's press release at http://ue.eu.int/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/misc/87373.pdf or contact the ABTA Legal Department ([email protected]) on 020 7307 1961.

UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES (UCP) DIRECTIVE. The Government is currently consulting on implementing the EU Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices and Amending Existing Consumer Legislation. A copy of the Consultation document can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-1565.html. ABTA will be submitting a response to meet the 8 March 2006 deadline. If Members wish to have their comments incorporated into the ABTA response, they are advised to contact the ABTA Legal Department ([email protected]) on 020 7307 1961.

DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS SEMINAR. This seminar takes place on Tuesday 14 March 2006 at ABTA's Newman Street office in London W1. The seminar will look at how complaints can increase customer loyalty and be used as a tool to improve your holiday product. It will also cover ABTA's Code of Conduct, complaints, and arbitration procedure. To book a place or places for this event please go to www.abtamembers.org/seminars/dwc.htm. For specific event questions, please contact Colin Yonge ([email protected]) on 020 7307 1979.

E111 FORMS NO LONGER VALID. As of 1 January 2006, the E111 has been entirely replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Just like the E111, the EHIC entitles all UK residents to reduced cost (sometimes free) health care, if necessary, whilst travelling in most European countries. The quickest way to get an EHIC is to apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers as customers will receive it within 7 days. Alternatively, customers can call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 20 30 or pick up an application pack from local Post Offices. It can take up to 21 days for the EHIC to arrive if applied for by post. Remember, it is an addition to travel insurance, not instead of it. To order your leaflets today and for more information, ABTA Members can visit the EHIC Partner website at www.new-ehic.org.uk or call the EHIC Partnership Team on 020 7866 7791.

TRAVEL LAW SEMINAR, CRAWLEY. asb law and ABTA are hosting a half day seminar on Thursday 9 February 2006 offering expert advice and guidance on new laws and regulations impacting the travel industry. Speakers will consider a range of complex legal issues and how you can best protect your business and your staff whilst meeting your obligations. The seminar will take place at Innovis House, 108 High Street, Crawley, between 0900 hours and 1400 hours. Please visit www.asb-law.com/asb/events/viewevent.asp?eventid=83 for further information or contact Elle O'Connor (Elle.O'[email protected]) on 01293 601424.

NEW ABTA MEMBERS. We are pleased to welcome Advantage 4 Travel Ltd (W8910) in London and Learning French in France Ltd (W8925) also in London, as new ABTA Members. For a full list of companies that have recently joined the Association, go to www.abtamembers.org/abtel/new.htm.

For a list of forthcoming ABTA events, including regional meetings and seminars, go to www.abtamembers.org/diary.htm For a list of ABTA publications, consumer leaflets, and ABTA-branded items, go to www.abta.com/publications