The association on Friday (March 9) launched its own consultation with members on the proposals to gauge their views and gain vital insight to inform its response.
It will also be holding a conference call with members on Tuesday (March 13) to boost awareness of the new drafts and give agents an opportunity to raise any concerns.
One example of the drafts going beyond the PTD flagged by Abta is the level and type of information provided to consumers before and after sale on Atol protection.
Others include the introduction of a mandatory schedule of agency terms for EEA traders selling in the UK and plans to require small businesses to report quarterly rather than annually - both of which are not required by the PTD.
Simon Bunce, Abta director of legal affairs, said: “The travel industry would be forgiven for thinking that the content of the draft Atol regulations and standard terms are only to support the UK’s implementation of the Package Travel Directive. But, having read all of the documents in detail, that is clearly not the case.
“Some of the proposals go beyond what is required for the successful implementation of PTD. So it is important travel companies are aware of the suggested changes, the impact it could have on their businesses – and that they take the opportunity to provide their feedback through the consultation process.”
Bunce also reiterated Abta’s plea for members to share their thoughts with the association to inform its own consultation.
He added Abta would also be lobbying the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport not to push through any additional changes to regulations or standard terms not relating to the PTD on a similarly “tight” timescale.
“Some elements may require further consultation, particularly where the current consultation contains only proposals and no firm drafting that can be properly assessed,” said Bunce.
