A total of 26.3 million holidaymakers and air travellers were ATOL-protected in the year to September 2006, according to latest Civil Aviation Authority figures.
The average price of ATOL-protected holidays and travel increased in the 12 month period by 7.2% to £551, compared with £514 in 2005.
Forecast passenger figures for all ATOL holders at December 2006 were down 4% to 29.6 million, from 30.7 million in 2005.
Forecast passenger figures for the top four ATOL holder holiday groups at December 2006 were down 2% to 13.5 million passengers, but with their market share remaining steady at 46%.
The number of travel firms providing ATOL protection increased by 5% to 2,554.
CAA consumer protection group deputy director David Moesli said: “The figures reflect a range of capacity changes by tour operators in response to the market, as well as some business consolidation and capacity transfers.
“There was a reduction in the number of people protected by ATOL (3.7%), but the fall was smaller than the same period in 2005 (5.7%).”
by Phil Davies
