Brett’s plea came after he was told claims from bookings with Cruise & Maritime Voyages, which failed in July, would take “up to six months to process” due to the volume its team were having to deal with.

He has now written to Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer asking the travel association to draft in staff furloughed from member travel agencies and tour operators to help.

"It is highly likely there will be more failures and more claims to process – so Abta have to get on top of the situation," said Brett.

"We have thousands of travel agents and tour operator staff currently furloughed who could be brought in to assist with the claims.

"This would speed up the claims process and provide much needed additional income to staff of Abta members."

Brett said he believed the idea would be "a win win" for Abta and the wider industry with claims processed quicker prompting consumer goodwill to travel.

"I hope that Abta can take the necessary steps to introduce this as a matter of urgency," he added.