Parent dnata Travel Group UK announced on Wednesday (12 July) it had removed the companies from Abta membership “following a review of its brand portfolio”, while also confirming its B2B brands – which include trade-only operator Gold Medal – would remain within the association.

“Where our B2C brands are concerned, we feel that having the Atol-bonded protection, together with robust trust accounts, provides customers with the required reassurances they need,” a spokesperson for dnata Travel Group Europe told TTG in a statement.

The move follows the departure of Lastminute.com earlier this month and DoSomethingDifferent.com parent Attraction Tickets Ltd in November, while OTAs On the Beach and Loveholidays both quit the association in September 2020.

In a statement to TTG, an Abta spokesperson said the organisation “remains by far the most recognised and trusted travel association brand” citing an annual renewal rate “typically over 95%”. 

“It would be unusual for any membership body to have every member renew its annual membership. While we are, of course, disappointed if any member leaves, as a matter of policy we don’t comment on individual decisions,” they added.

Travel Republic managing director Antonio Fellino said its 4.7/5 Trustpilot score was “great recognition” the company was “truly one of the most highly trusted, customer-rated online travel companies in the UK”.

“Travel Republic has the benefit of having exceptionally strong owners in the Emirates Group, as well as operating its own successful and robust trust account model,” he said. “Given this backdrop, we feel that customers receive a high level of reassurance that they are fully financially protected when they travel with us.”

Simon Applebaum, managing director of dnata’s B2B businesses, said his brands - Gold Medal, Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys - were “delighted to continue as members” of Abta. 

“We believe the role of trusted travel advisor has never been more understood and valued and our partnership with Abta allows us to engage with agents and other suppliers on best practice across a raft of areas from payments to compliance,” said Applebaum.

A dnata spokesperson added: “Collectively our fast-growing Gold Medal brand and B2B specialist brands account for a large part of our UK business, and these will continue to work closely with Abta and benefit from their membership.”