POSSIBLE STRIKE ACTION BY SPANISH HOTEL WORKERSSome 15,000 hotel workers on the Costa del Sol, Spain could take strike action for salary increases on days from 22 June through to early August. So far an agreement hasn't been reached, and it's likely that negotiations will continue until very close to the planned first strike before any settlement is achieved. Some tour operators are putting together contingency plans to get local help, but Spanish hoteliers are anyway always obliged to provide a minimum service. It's therefore anticipated that the need to move clients to another hotel or bring them home is extremely unlikely. However, if it becomes clear that a tour operator won't be able to offer contracted services, the provisions of the Package Travel Regulations and the tour operator booking conditions will take effect. For further details, please see www.abtamembers.org/strikes.shtml or contact the Members' Information line (membersinfo@abta.co.uk) on 0845 177 (ABTA) 2282.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SALE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE Members are reminded to ensure that their travel insurance qualification records are kept up to date by going to www.abta.co.uk/app/insurance.htm. Please note that it's important that you update your record even if you have opted not to sell insurance. If you have any queries about this, please contact Clare Thomas (cthomas@abta.co.uk) on 020 7307 1959. If you're waiting to hear the results of your travel insurance exam, please contact TTC Training (abtatitp@ttctraining.co.uk) on 01483 713 391.

NEW TECHNOLOGY GUIDE ABTA Travel Industry Partner Genesys is offering ABTA Members a special 10% discount on the latest edition of the consultancy's 2006/07 Travel Agency Technology Review. Hot off the press, the Review runs to over 140 pages covering the technology on offer from more than 50 system suppliers. The publication provides detailed information on companies, systems, training and support. The exclusive ABTA Members' price is �53.55 (or $112.50 if paying by credit card) plus shipping. For full details and to order your copy, visit www.genesys.net/ABTA. Don't forget that Genesys also operates the ABTA IT helpline (020 8349 0099) which offers free advice on any matters relating to technology.

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN SOUTHERN AFRICAAn EU funded scheme to develop tourism in 14 countries of the Southern African Development Community is inviting Members who would be interested in opening up new markets, developing joint ventures or forming other kinds of business partnerships in the region to a three day business event. Tourism 2006 takes place in Windhoek, Namibia between 3 and 6 October 2006. For further details, please see www.tourism2006.com or contact Monique de Greeve (mdegreeve@emergingmarketsgroup.com) at Deloitte Emerging Markets Group on 020 7303 6829.

NEW ABTA MEMBERWe are pleased to welcome Home & Away Holidays (Leicester) Ltd (K586X/W9167) in Leicester as a new ABTA Member. For a full list of companies that have recently joined the Association, go to www.abtamembers.org/abtel/new.htm

Further informationFor information about anyof the items in this issueof ABTA Today, visit www.abtamembers.org or contact the Members� Information line membersinfo@abta.co.uk on 0845 177 ABTA (2282). Change your detailsYou can change youremail details at anytime by going to www.abta.netapp/member.htm andfollowing the prompts.Alternatively, contactDaryl Nurthendnurthen@abta.co.ukon 020 7307 1996. For further information visit www.theabtatravelconvention.comor call 01920 873030.