School Travel Forum, which represents UK-based firms offering educational visits and tours, said the move to recognise Abtot’s protection scheme and services would offer “increased flexibility for its members while retaining protection for schools”.
Trip providers are required to meet the standards set by the LOtC Quality Badge for the providers of educational services outside the classroom, as well as the School Travel Forum’s own code of practice.
Gill Harvey, chief executive of School Travel Forum, said: “By partnering with Abtot, School Travel Forum can provide its members with bonding arrangements that align with their business needs while maintaining the additional professional arbitration services and professional trading standards that we uphold.”
The decision is another boost for Abtot, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust, following online travel agency Lastminute.com’s decision to leave Abta in favour of Abtot earlier this week.
