Holidaymakers protection strengthened

New measures developed by the UK government and coming into force in July will provide clearer and stronger protections for holidaymakers by making sure more types of holidays are protected by consumer protection rules.

The new measures will be underpinned by information requirements to make sure consumers are clear on what travel product they are buying and the corresponding level of protection.

The rules include:
• an extension to current protections to cover millions of extra holidays

• a requirement for better information to be provided to travellers at the point of booking, making it clear what their rights to refund are

• ensuring the business that puts together the package holiday is responsible for the entire holiday, even if some elements will be fulfilled by other companies.

According to ABTA – The Travel Association, changes to how people book travel, such as using online booking sites, have created a gap in consumer protections, with 50% of holidays not currently financially protected if a company fails.

The new rules will help close this gap, meaning more holidays will be protected by consumer protection rules.

Consumer Minister Andrew Griffiths said: “When we book a package holiday we expect it all to go according to plan, but if a company goes bust it can ruin more than just the holiday, leaving people out of pocket or even stranded.

“These new rules mean that internet explorers can book their holidays online, secure in the knowledge they will be compensated in the same way as someone who booked their holidays through a travel agent if something does go wrong.”