Abta has hailed a new online tool which aims to help travel companies develop an approach to human rights.
The tool has been developed by the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism – an international non-profit association which promotes human rights.
The organisation has 30 members, including Abta, other European trade associations, tour operators in Europe, charities and tourism bodies.
Clare Jenkinson, Abta’s senior destinations and sustainability manager, said: “The new ‘Get Started Tool’ from the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism will help travel companies take the first steps to identify business-related human rights risks.”
“Addressing human rights issues is a complex matter which no one organisation can solve alone.
“Abta and its members recognise the travel industry had an important part to play.
“Abta has worked with members on human rights issues for many years through programmes such as ‘Better Places’ – which addresses the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism – and its Travelife certification scheme for hotels and accommodation.”
The Travelife certification scheme has reviewed its auditing criteria in light of the UK Modern Slavery Act.
Jenkinson added: “Abta has guidance and online training about modern slavery, as well as online training about child safeguarding, which helps travel companies understand the issues, identify actions they can take and work to put strategies in place.”
The free ‘Get Started Tool’ gives an overview of human rights risks in tourism and provides real-life case studies and other resources.