Since the latter part of 2009 we have all watched with interest and sorrow whilst the toll of economic collapse takes place around us.  The events surrounding the fall of the latest travel company, Globespan, provides an interesting window into the workings of travel companies, so-called ‘regulation’ and the plight of the holiday consumer and their complaints. Read More

In a recent edition of the Travel Trade Gazette a letter was written by a travel agent under the title – ‘Protection crisis is harming the good guy’s reputations’.  It is important to consider the key points that this agent raised.  They argue that if you sell insurance or other financial products you have to be accredited or certified.  They also highlight regulatory requirements if you sell food or are involved in certain building work.  The writer of the letter then states – “So surely the ruling should be if you want to sell holidays and travel to the consumer, you must be bonded.  No bond, no business.  Too many companies come and go, owing thousands of pounds to consumers.  They offer ‘cheap’ holidays, often making pennies and wonder where it all went wrong.  This then tars us with the same brush.  The good guys are bonded, offer protection, have better knowledge and care about the consumer.  They are not there to make a quick buck”. Read More

The issue of Holiday Financial Protection through the ATOL scheme has attracted intense scrutiny since the collapse of the XL Group and Freedom Direct.  We have been guiding Mr & Mrs A – consider this quote from Mrs A – “the more this is highlighted the better – various people who I have spoken to – are under the impression that if a Tour Operator has an ABTA/ATOL No, they are covered – how wrong they are!!”  Mr & Mrs A booked a holiday through the collapsed travel provider, Freedom Direct.  They purchased a flight, hotel and transfers, all stated as one inclusive price.  They have advised that it was their intention to purchase a package holiday and that there was nothing that they could see or hear, which put them on notice that it was anything other than a package holiday! Read More

It has been a thoroughly miserable summer for British holidaymakers!  Poor standards in holiday contracts, complete failures to provide consumer rights under the Package Travel Regulations, mass holiday sickness, reports of salmonella, e coli, cryptosporidium and other diseases, the collapse of Zoom, and now the collapse of the XL Leisure Group, stranding many holidaymakers both here in the UK and abroad. Read More

Regular readers and supporters of HolidayTravelWatch, will have followed our series of articles highlighting the threat to the Package Travel Regulations. The recent decision by the Court of Appeal has created an audible thud from the sound of the travel industry scrambling to deconstruct the Package Holiday and thereby avoid their obligations in holiday contracts.  This issue is very important to the Consumer, particularly where they suffer detriment in their holiday contracts.  Many holiday complaints involve reports of holiday illness/sickness, holiday accidents, changes to holidays, flight changes and poor customer service.  Read More

In this second edition we expose the shameful cost of returning holiday illnesses. We conclude that the estimated cost to the Nation may be as high as £222m. We also provide comment on the recent Court of Appeal decision which will now lead to the abandonment of ATOL protection, and avoidance of obligations under the Package Travel Regulations. Read More

The growing threat to the Package Travel Regulations that govern Package Holidays, and the threat to ATOL Bonding is discussed. The article highlights the history of Consumer Group involvement, and highlights the current thinking within the Travel Industry on Consumer Rights.  This issue is very important to the Consumer, partucularly where they suffer detriment in their holiday contracts.  Many holiday complaints involve reports of holiday illness/sickness, holiday accidents, changes to holidays, flight changes and poor customer service - To Package or Not to Package – 30.6.06.pdf Read More