Thomson and First Choice predicting numerous travel operator failures

Thomson and First Choice have estimated that as many as one million travellers could be affected by travel operator failures in 2009.

The TUI UK companies are predicting that in addition to the collapses of XL and Zoom last year, up to 100,000 travellers could end up stranded overseas this year.

Their warnings come as the related companies launch the second phase of their new advertising campaign that highlights the importance of ATOL protection and to reassure travellers that First Choice and Thomson holidays are protected against operator failure.

Tim Williamson, the company’s customer director, said: “It was important to us to take a more aggressive stance on this issue, so that people understand the risks. While there is some awareness of ATOL, 20 million British holidaymakers will make unprotected travel arrangements this year.”

He added: “If they know the facts and choose to do so, that is their prerogative. Our aim is not to scare consumers, but to reassure them that they can still get value for money and a wide range of holidays without having to worry whether their money is safe,”

The advertising campaign launched by the companies draws consumer attention to the lack of ATOL protection with both scheduled and low-cost airlines.

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.thomson.co.uk