Wednesday 13th July 2011 - Published by Robert Trigg - Communications Executive
New Holidaymakers’ Champion is Crucial for Consumers
UK holidaymakers are set to benefit from the launch of the Consumers Alliance in Travel (CAT), a body that makes consumers aware of their rights, as well as the complexities and risks of booking a holiday.
Travel industry expert, John Fosbery, CEO and founder of CAT, strongly believes there are currently major protection problems for people when they buy their holiday.
The current trend of travel retailers, especially those online, selling holidays in bits - i.e flights and rooms separately - instead of packaging them, means that consumers are missing out on their statutory rights found under the Package Travel Regulations (PTR), and ATOL.
PTR gives consumers insolvency protection, as well as looking after the welfare of the holidaymaker overseas, accuracy of sales literature, protection of pricing and more. Consumers buying holidays in bits lose all of this.
The ATOL scheme deals only with insolvency risks of air holiday packages. However, this scheme fund is in deficit at £42 million thanks to ongoing claims and non-packages that avoid ATOL contributions.
Mr Fosbery has a great understanding of consumer rights, the legal system, the travel industry and its protocol, following his many years designing and managing retail consumer solutions following investment into a large group of travel retailers.
“The industry needs improved trading standards that require retailers to specify and clarify deficits in their consumer protection. In my opinion, all the major online agents sell in ways to suit them and not the consumer. Where de-packaging occurs, warnings should arise,” said Mr Fosbery.
“CAT is unique, it spells out the various pitfalls when purchasing, and acts for members to get problems solved. Additional services are also available for assistance when travelling,” he added.
Consumers Alliance in Travel also acts for members to get them compensation. The website is now open for viewing, but the service will launch in earnest from 13th August 2011.
Launch of Consumers Alliance in Travel Ltd - a pr2go story
