A Kent travel agency has had its travel and tourism association membership reinstated pending the outcome of an appeal to end it.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) removed Baldwins Travel - which is based in Tunbridge Wells and has branches in Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Cranbrook, Tenterden and Westerham - after it failed to provide financial information required to qualify as a member.

It meant ABTA did not financially protect people who booked through the travel agency during the suspension for trips by tour operators, suppliers or in the event the company suffered financial difficulties.

But after Baldwins appealed, ABTA said it was suspending that decision and the firm would “remain a member pending the outcome of the appeal”.

It means any bookings made with Baldwins are once again protected by ABTA.

A spokesperson for ABTA said: “Baldwins Travel Agency Limited has made a request for the recent decision to terminate its membership of ABTA to be referred to ABTA’s Appeal Board.

“As a consequence, Baldwins’ termination of membership is suspended from February 20, 2025 and they remain a member pending the outcome of the appeal; during this time and for as long as they remain a member, ABTA’s financial protection will apply to bookings as usual.”

A statement issued by Baldwins Travel said the firm was pleased to announce the reinstatement of its ABTA licences.

It said the “positive development” would ensure the company could continue offering clients a full range of services with the confidence of ABTA protection.

It added: “While travel agencies can operate as non-ABTA members, the protection offered through the ATOL scheme for holidays booked with ATOL-protected tour operators ensures that all clients' monies are fully safeguarded”.

Baldwins Travel managing director Nick Marks said: “We are absolutely delighted that ABTA has reinstated our licences. This is fantastic news for our valued clients, and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver exceptional travel experiences with the security and trust our clients expect from us. It’s business as usual.”

Baldwins is an award-winning, independent travel agency with offices across Kent, Sussex, and Lincolnshire.