The UK holiday company On the Beach has dramatically thrown down its membership of the Association of British Travel Agents ABTA following a dispute regarding the slow pace of refunding customers for cancelled holidays due to coronavirus COVID-19.
Whilst the holiday firm has left ABTA, it still holds an ATOL bond with the CAA and says its holidays are financially secure. "Holidays continue to be financially protected by the ATOL scheme and our ring-fenced trust account." a spokesperson for the firm told the travel trades premier publication - TTG.
"The travel industry is facing unprecedented challenges, and changes are inevitable as businesses and trade organisations adapt. The current circumstances have presented difficult decisions, and different legal interpretations on complex matters." The spokesperson said.