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Holidaymakers urged to book safely
Holidaymakers are being warned about the risks of buying unprotected holidays as the peak booking season kicks in.
In a media campaign launched today, to coincide with the January sales, the Civil Aviation Authority is urging people to check their booking is ATOL protected to avoid being left out of pocket or stranded abroad.
The CAA said its research shows young people (16-24 year-olds) are particularly at risk, with one in 12 experiencing the collapse of a travel firm, airline, tour operator or hotel whilst abroad – more than double the average.
In the last year, over 14,000 ATOL protected holidaymakers were repatriated to the UK after their holiday company collapsed and 69,000 people were eligible for refunds.
The last ATOL protected company to collapse was Essex-based Ola Holidays in November 2013, with around 500 customers abroad and further 2,000 forward bookings affected.
Richard Jackson, group director for consumer protection at the CAA, said: "Millions of people will be looking to make the most of the many holiday deals that are out there this month, but it’s really important that they look beyond the price and check for ATOL protection too.
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"ATOL gives you the peace of mind that you won’t lose your money and will get home safely even if your travel company goes bust. Without protection you could be left out of pocket or stranded abroad.”
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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