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CAA launches ATOL advertising campaign
The Civil Aviation Authority has launched a campaign to raise awareness of its ATOL scheme among the 2 million consumers expected to book holidays in January.
The campaign, backed by a new CAA website, packpeaceofmind.co.uk, aims to end confusion among customers about whether or not their travel booking comes with financial protection.
The CAA said that previously, nearly half the people it surveyed were unsure if their previous holidays had been covered by an ATOL.
It hopes that the new ATOL certificates introduced in October will bring an end to that confusion.
Anyone who books an ATOL-protected air holiday will receive an ATOL certificate from their travel company as soon as they make any payment.
The CAA said it was "extremely pleased" with the way the new ATOL certificates had been adopted by the travel trade. "The changes have been implemented smoothly," it said.
It said support packs containing factsheets, FAQs and consumer advice leaflets had been issued to firms to help explain the ATOL scheme to customers.
Aviation minister Simon Burns said: "Millions of travellers can now rest assured they are better protected whilst on holiday as the new ATOL certificate will without doubt make it clear how their trip is covered.
"The certificate is a standard travel document that families should now be expecting alongside their flight tickets and holiday details.
Dame Deirdre Hutton, chair of the CAA, said: "We’re expecting over 2 million holidaymakers to book ATOL-protected trips this January, and these people can be assured that their money is safe even if their travel company collapses.
"They will also receive an ATOL certificate, which will make it absolutely clear to them how their holiday is protected. This is a really important document and holidaymakers should make sure they keep it handy on their trip so they have proof of their protection and the information they need if something goes wrong."
Consumers can check if a company provides protection by looking for the ATOL logo on their promotional material, or searching the company’s name at www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk. More information about what’s covered by the scheme and how the ATOL certificate works is also available from this site.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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