Abta expects to reach more than five million people with a new ad campaign seeking to allay lingering fears about the potential impacts of Brexit on travel.
The association says it wants consumers to “feel confident about booking holidays and travel arrangements” despite the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit.
Adverts on national radio and social media will seek to reiterate and reinforce the European Commission’s recent decision to extend its no-deal Brexit contingency plans for aviation a further six months, meaning UK-EU flight schedules will be unaffected – whatever the outcome of Brexit – until “at least” 24 October next year.
The campaign, which launches on Tuesday (17 September), will run until 26 September. Abta’s latest Brexit advice will feature in adverts on Heart and Classic FM, and on Facebook, highlighting how flights, ferries and international rail services will continue to operate even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We want to help the public feel confident about booking holidays and travel arrangements, especially over the important half-term period.”
However, Tanzer added that as the government steps up its "Get Ready for Brexit" campaign, people would begin to come to terms with how they may be affected, raising questions around passport validity, healthcare, international driving permits and taking pets abroad.
“There will still be many twists and turns in the political process between now and 31 October so our advice to businesses remains to prepare for a no-deal exit because it still might happen,” Tanzer added.
As part of the campaign, the association is promoting October as a “savvy” time to travel with plenty of destinations still offering warm weather and fewer crowds.
Abta has published a new blog on holidaying in October, with a particular focus on families, and is providing marketing assets for members to support it.