MALARIA IN THE GAMBIA.

An increased number of confirmed cases of severe (falciparum) malaria have been reported amongst UK holidaymakers returning from the Gambia over recent months. Some of these cases have led to fatalities. Even if holidays are booked at the last minute, clients should still be advised to prepare themselves against the risk of malaria before leaving the UK. Please see www.hpa.org.uk/cdr/archives/archive06/News/news0206.htm#malaria for full details. Members can also visit www.abtamembers.org/memberservices/healthadvice.htm or contact the Members' Information line (membersinfo@abta.co.uk) on 0845 177 ABTA (2282).

CHIP AND PIN.

A reminder that after 14 February 2006, to protect you and your customers from fraud, you should expect card companies to decline payments automatically if a PIN is not used with a chip and PIN card. Please also note that if a transaction is declined and you choose to continue by accepting a signature, you may be liable for any fraud or other chargebacks that result. Please visit www.chipandpin.co.uk/reflib/retailer_best_practice_guide.pdf for full details. If you have any queries, either contact the chip and PIN programme at info@chipandpin.co.uk or speak to your merchant provider.

REGIONAL NETWORKING.

Regional meetings are open to head offices and branches of ABTA Members, and Travel Industry Partners. For information relating to your own region, such as contact details for your regional representatives and news that specifically affects your region, please see www.abtamembers.org/regions. A list of regional meeting dates for 2006 is available at www.abtamembers.org/diary.htm. ABTA Members also have access to their own regional chat rooms. Full details about joining your chat room are available at www.abtamembers.org/regions/yahoogroups.htm. If you have any queries please contact the Members' Information line (membersinfo@abta.co.uk) on 0845 177 ABTA (2282).

FREE IT HELPLINE.

A reminder that Members have access to a free telephone helpline that is run on behalf of ABTA by Travel Industry Partner Genesys. The helpline offers independent expert advice on a wide range of IT matters such as back office systems, the internet, and GDS technology. For further information, please see www.abtamembers.org/abtahelplines/ithelpline.htm. The helpline can be accessed from Monday to Friday between 0900 hours and 1730 hours, on 020 8349 0099.

BRITISH RESORTS & DESTINATIONS 2006.

Members should by now have received this year's edition of British Resorts & Destinations, published by the British Resorts & Destinations Association with ABTA and Artavia. If you have not received your office copy, or if you would like to order additional copies, please contact The British Resorts & Destinations Association (info@britishresorts.co.uk) on 0151 934 2286, or visit www.britishresorts.co.uk.

NEW TRAVEL INDUSTRY PARTNER.

Branch Communications Limited is a leading provider of e-marketing solutions to the travel sector, developing innovative and successful online marketing campaigns for tour operators, airlines and hotel groups. Their team of qualified e-marketers, digital designers and web developers understand what it takes to succeed in this competitive industry. Please see www.branchcommunications.co.uk or contact Roz Chandler (Roz.Chandler@branchcommunications.co.uk) on 0870 443 5778.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE CLINIC.

Travel Industry Partner HIFX will be holding a foreign exchange clinic specifically created to meet the needs of tour operators at ABTA's offices on Friday 24 February from 1030 hours. Chris Towner, Head of Risk Management at HIFX will provide advice on how ABTA Members can protect their profits through effective foreign exchange risk management. Attendees are invited to stay and discuss the issues raised during the clinic over lunch. To secure your place, contact Ben Parkinson (ben.parkinson@hifx.co.uk) on 01753 641 259. Please note that places are strictly limited to 30 people. For further information, visit www.hifx.co.uk/ABTAevent.

NEW ABTA MEMBER. We are pleased to welcome Jetair (Travel Logistics) Ltd (K4994) in Gatwick 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

For a list of forthcoming ABTA events, including regional meetings and seminars, go to www.abtamembers.org/diary.htm For a list of ABTA publications, consumer leaflets, and ABTA-branded items, go to www.abta.com/publications

� ABTA 2006. All rights reserved

If you cannot access the internet but would like further information about any of the topics covered in this issue of ABTA Today, please contact the Members' Information line on 0845 177 ABTA (2282) or 020 7307 1994.