The general public remains confused about the level of financial protection offered by travel operators, new research shows.
While eight out of ten travellers believe it is important to secure protection, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) found that just nine per cent are aware when they lack cover.
The disturbing findings come in the wake of the collapse of XL Airways, which disrupted some 280,000 holidaymakers’ plans and left many thousands out of pocket.
People who book with an Atol-accredited firm are guaranteed compensation in the event of such a failure, but that protection does not extend to all travel operators by default.
Pointing to a gap between the general public’s desire to be protected and their understanding of the sector, ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer renewed his call for reform.
“The area is incredibly complicated,” he was quoted by TTG as saying. “We have been lobbying government in the UK and Europe to change legislation but so far there has been no change.
“That’s why, in the meantime, travellers should book with ABTA members who can provide them with financial protection and a high standard of service.”
