The Association says Abtot Combined will offer members a streamlined bonding service for licensable and non-licensable turnover plus a low-cost card payment facility that it says is itself unique in the industry.

Abtot development director Paul Fakley said the Abtot Combined package would help members prepare for changes to the EU Package Travel Regulations due to come into play next year.

He said: “Changes to the PTRs are anticipated for January 2018 and unfortunately they won‘t resolve one of the main hurdles that currently exists with two parallel sides to consumer financial protection within the travel industry.

“As an Atol franchisee we’re now able to guarantee one application and one point of contact, providing an all-in-one bonding approach that small and medium sized travel organisers have been waiting for.”

Abtot’s card payment cover means the association will take on some of the responsibilities of the merchant acquirer, ensuring all claims will be met by Abtot in case of an Abtot member’s collapse or failure. It says the new payment facility features reduced fees, admin and reporting requirements.

Fakley added: “We’re evolving and responding to market changes just as our members have to. This is the first time a travel trade association has launched two high profile facilities at once and we’re delighted to be able to remove duplication and save our members time and money.”

Abtot has made two new appointments, membership secretary Samantha Bradbury and development manager Natalie Black, to help run Abtot Combined.