Please read our guidance agreed with ABTA for users of Travel Arbitration and Travel Conciliation in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This Guidance was issued on 9th March 2020 by Hunt ADR Limited (Hunt ADR), operators of Travel Arbitration and Travel Conciliation (the schemes), in association with ABTA Ltd (ABTA).
The objective of this Guidance is to confirm action that can be taken if any party using the schemes becomes incapacitated due to COVID-19. It relates to provision of extensions to time periods. Parties should note that extensions will be provided but refunds will not be given.
Parties - incapacity due to COVID-19
If any party (i.e. holidaymaker or ABTA member) becomes incapacitated due to contraction of COVID-19, they must provide Hunt ADR with a relevant document or other evidence relating to confirmation that they are either in self-isolation or have been placed in hospital as a result of contracting the illness. Upon receipt of such evidence appropriate extensions (on one or more occasions depending upon the severity of the illness) will be provided for the said party to make their representations in accordance with the relevant process and natural justice. In cases where the arbitrator or conciliator has not yet been appointed (or in the case of conciliation, where a conciliator has been appointed), each case will be considered by the Managing Director of Hunt ADR* whose decision is final. Where an arbitrator has been appointed the arbitrator’s decision is final.
Administrators & Management – incapacity due to COVID-19
If any member of the Travel Arbitration / Travel Conciliation staff become incapacitated due to contraction of COVID-19, Hunt ADR will provide adequate cover to ensure that the schemes continue to operate. At such a time that such cover is limited and that delays are inevitable, Hunt ADR will allow extensions to the parties to ensure that their case has not been compromised. If delays result Hunt ADR will endeavour to reduce levels of inconvenience for the parties but will appreciate patience from the parties at what would be a difficult time for all.
Arbitrators and Conciliators - incapacity due to COVID-19
If any arbitrator or conciliator becomes incapacitated due to contraction of COVID-19 the dispute will, upon notice to Hunt ADR of their incapacity, immediately be halted until the arbitrator / conciliator confirms to Hunt ADR that they are well enough to continue. The parties will be notified if this happens and Hunt ADR will appreciate patience from the parties at what would be a difficult time for all.
*Managing Director of Hunt ADR – incapacity due to COVID-19
If the Managing Director of Hunt ADR becomes incapacitated due to contraction of COVID-19 and any decision can only be made by the Managing Director that decision will be delayed until the Managing Director of Hunt ADR is fit to return to work and the parties will be notified of any delay.
Only the Managing Director of Hunt ADR has the discretionary powers to amend or update this guidance.