The ABTA has launched a new free email and text service called Travel Buddy which is designed to provide essential travel information via mobile phone and email.
Implementation of the new communication system was partially funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and will allow travel association’s member companies to email or text their customers’ ‘Know Before You Go’ and destination information before they depart.
The new feature would also include free text messages to locate holidaymakers in emergency situations and provide up-to-date and essential information and guidance.
ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tnazer said that the Association was providing this service to members at no cost, to help them provide exemplary customer service, particularly at times of emergencies when fast and effective information is needed. Mobile phones are now used by nearly everyone when they travel, ABTA has pointed out.
The electronic service would help ABTA members provide imformation that they are obliged to give under the Code of Conduct in a succinct format and include details of FCO advice, reminders about the importance of travel insurance and recommendations to visit a doctor prior to travel. There is also freedom for the ABTA member to insert their own essential travel advice.
