TUI predicting more travel operator collapses

TUI’s UK travel companies, Thomson and First Choice, have made the prediction in a new advertising campaign.

Travel Insurance News - 12/01/2009

<< Six million holiday bookings expected this month | Travel News | Traveller survey reveals booking preferences >>

The companies are suggesting that following the collapses of large travel operators such as XL and Zoom in 2008, as many as 100,000 holidaymakers could find themselves stranded overseas this year due to additional operator failures.

The warnings are implicit in the second phases of the companies’ joint advertising campaign assuring consumers that holidays purchased through them are ATOL-protected, ensuring against company failure.

Tim Williamson, their customer director, said: “It was important to us to take a more aggressive stance on this issue, so that people understand the risks. While there is some awareness of ATOL, 20 million British holidaymakers will make unprotected travel arrangements this year.”

He added: “If they know the facts and choose to do so, that is their prerogative. Our aim is not to scare consumers, but to reassure them that they can still get value for money and a wide range of holidays without having to worry whether their money is safe.”

The print advert campaign draws consumer attention to the fact that budget and schedule airlines are not protected by ATOL.

<< Six million holiday bookings expected this month | Travel News | Traveller survey reveals booking preferences >>