While the news headlines are full of politics ahead of the General Election, the mechanics of Government are still turning, including the important work of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

This week ABTA attended the FCDO’s Travel Aware summer campaign briefing – to hear the messages they want to get across to holidaymakers ahead of their travels, and how ABTA and the members can help.

ABTA work very closely with the FCDO across a wide range of matters and initiatives, including the work they do in the UK to help prevent travellers experiencing issues while they are abroad. Part of that work is collaborating on information campaigns.

The FCDO’s focus for this summer’s campaigns includes young people, sporting events and the importance of checking the Government’s travel advice. They are also continuing to promote the need to take out appropriate travel insurance.  Many of these issues match the things ABTA want to raise with customers this summer, which is why the association will be supporting their campaigns by sharing their information adverts across ABTA’s social media accounts.

The association is also encouraging members to do the same, looking at how you might be able to communicate these important messages to your customers through your various channels.

The agents can find the FCDO’s campaign toolkits in the ABTA Member Zone, and the association will share any updated materials as and when have them.

At the event this week, the FCDO was also looking ahead to the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While the EU is still to confirm when these schemes will be implemented, it is important that members start to familiarise yourselves with them now, and understand what they might mean for your customers. ABTA have two sources of information to help you – a webinar and Q&A in the ABTA Member Zone and information for consumers at abta.com/eesandetias.