ABTA Rolls Out New Direct Debit System

ABTA will launch a replacement version of its Single Payment System to members later this year. The technology has been developed by Travel Ledger. The direct debit system allows fast online payments between travel agents and tour operators. 

Transactions are consolidated by the payment scheme, so that each week only a single payment is made in or out of each member’s bank account.

Under the new, more efficient scheme ABTA members will have control over their payments, not only who they transact with, but also by facilitating deposit and balance payments from travel agents to tour operators, and refunds from operators to agents.

Over time, members who join the scheme will have the opportunity to process payments more frequently with the potential for more than the one cycle per week that the current scheme allows.

After evaluating multiple systems, ABTA chose to partner with Travel Ledger because of its technology knowhow and understanding of the travel industry. The new system has been tested by ABTA member focus groups over the last few months, allowing Members to review and refine the scheme and ensure it works for their requirements.

It will use the same process as on the older platform, to avoid disruption to existing users’ back-office functions.