The association has partnered with the FCO to launch an online training programme which aims to help members’ staff make their customers aware of the availability of FCO travel advice as part of booking discussions.

The initiative uses real experiences from sales staff to illustrate best practice in providing FCO information over the phone and face-to-face. 

There is also a short animation with examples of how to deliver this advice as well as guidelines on how to make FCO website information clear and visible in both online and print materials.

Nikki White, director of destinations and sustainability at Abta, said: “Customers are increasingly looking to their travel providers to help answer difficult questions about travelling to some destinations.

“While the FCO advice can help inform a traveller’s decision, only an individual can make the decision to book a trip, not the government or their travel agent or tour operator.

“We hope this training will help Abta members confidently steer their customers towards FCO travel advice and, that this in turn will help their customers to travel with confidence.”

The training scheme is the second course to be introduced on Abta Knowledge Zone e-learning portal which members can access via the association’s new education and careers hub or directly at abta.com/abtaknowledgezone.