ABTA launches assault against bogus sickness claims
ABTA has launched a new two-pronged political and consumer campaign to persuade the Government to crack down on bogus holiday sickness claims.
Its ‘Stop Sickness Scams’ campaign also warns holidaymakers of the consequences of making a false claim, which could include a fine. Also, it warns them of the risk of overseas hoteliers suing them for making false claims, as in the case of a Greek hotelier who is counter-suing a British couple for £170,000.
ABTA and its members have been working with the Ministry of Justice for several months, sharing claims data and asking for regulatory change to address the loophole that has left travel companies vulnerable to spurious sickness claims.
With a new Justice Secretary now in post and with claims management companies increasing marketing ahead of the main summer season, ABTA is stepping up its lobbying and consumer-facing activity.