Now Simon Bunce, director of legal affairs at Abta, has welcomed the regulator’s announcement that it is going to investigate claims management companies in relation to the claims.

He said: “We are delighted that the claims management regulator has announced it is investigating the conduct of regulated claims management companies and unauthorised entities in relation to a surge in holiday sickness claims.

“Along with our members we have highlighted to them that there has been a sharp rise in the number of holiday sickness claims in recent years that is not in line with the levels of sickness reported and recorded in destination.

“This issue is a serious concern for our members, for the industry as a whole and for consumers with genuine claims.

“We will continue working with the claims management regulator on this issue to assist them with their investigation.”