United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
ABTA and CAA in high court ‘package’ battle
ABTA and the Civil Aviation Authority are going head to head in a high court battle that could see travel agents forced to get ATOL bonding even if they sell individual components of a package.
The CAA say even if a retailer sells a flight and accommodation separately and issues separate invoices, it constitutes a package.
ABTA dispute the argument.
If the ruling goes in favour of the CAA, it could potentially halt agents’ ability to dynamically package holidays – a significant growth area. Those flouting such a ruling could even face two years’ imprisonment.
“This would have a major impact on travel agent’s business,” an ABTA spokeswoman said. “If a retailer is pricing a flight and accommodation together and putting it in the window then yes, that’s a package that they will require an ATOL for. But if a customer walks into a shop and the agent offers independent advice and books a hotel and flight separately, then we argue it is not a package.”
It has been suggested that agents may be forced to fork out an additional £250 million in bonding should the CAA win.
The case, which began yesterday, is due to finish today although an immediate decision is not expected.
Report by Steve Jones
Related News Stories:
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled