About us

ABTA LifeLine is ABTA’s charity. ABTA is the UK’s largest travel association representing travel agents and tour operators that sell £37 billion of holidays and other travel arrangements each year.

Previously called the ABTA Benevolent Fund, set up in 1988 to help people in the travel industry when they need it the most.

Over the last 30 years we have helped over 800 families awarding grants in total in excess of £1 million.

Our history

In 1988 the Chief Executive of ABTA at the time received a plea for help from a member, who through no fault of his own, was in desperate need of financial help due to a severe medical problem.

This prompted the board to set up a charity fund dedicated to supporting travel industry people in need, and so the ABTA Benevolent Fund was born. In the three decades since, this registered charitable trust now known as ABTA LifeLine has helped more than 800 families with grants totalling over £1 million.

Today, just as it always has been, ABTA LifeLine is part of the ABTA family, while being governed and administered by its own Board of Trustees. We still incorporate our original values and vision into everything we do, working hard to support each application that we receive.