The association has reiterated in its new guidance how RCNs carry the same financial protection as the original booking, and can be exchanged for a refund at a future date.

Chief executive Mark Tanzer has accused the UK government of "dragging its feet" on the issue after several European countries acted on a European Commission concession tacitly relaxing the requirements of the EU Package Travel Directive, allowing them to amend their own interpretations of the directive allowing businesses to defer refunds and stave off mass travel sector failures.

In the UK, the 14-day refund rule is enshrined in the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs). While it is understood Abta and the CAA are aligned on the use of RCNs, no decision to formally relax the PTRs has been forthcoming from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Meanwhile, a further 55 travel companies have now pledged their logos to Abta’s Save Future Travel campaign, which has so far seen nearly 24,000 letters sent to MPs by travel professionals and supporters of the industry.

Abta is asking any replies from MPs to be sent to its public affairs team via savefuturetravel@abta.co.uk.

"In the absence of any help or information from the government, Abta is continuing to provide guidance to help businesses affected by the pandemic who have not received money back from suppliers and who are not in a position to provide refunds in 14 days," said Tanzer.

"It is important that Abta members understand and adhere to the rules around RCNs, as this will really help to prevent confusion and provide reassurance to customers.

“Many other European countries have already taken action to help travel businesses while preserving consumer protection, while the UK Government continues to drag its feet."

Tanzer added: "It’s essential that as an industry we keep up the pressure on decision-makers in government to provide help. We’ve seen an overwhelming response to our Save Future Travel campaign. Thank you to those that have supported the campaign and if you have yet to visit the website please do.

"Dozens of firms have pledged their support and are listed on the website, which is vital for audiences to see – we must continue to stand together.”