the irony of this being the Travelscope story this weekend.

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Sorry Darren, but the CAA and Nick are right. The Advice is Crystal clear to consumers. DIY and you are on your own, the only way the Consumer is going to learn this ( which I believe is the point that Nick is trying to make) is if they book seperate Flights, Accommodation and own arrangements and various elements go wrong leaving the consumer out of pocket or stranded.
Book with a bonded operator, Travel agent and get piece of mind. How is that advice outrageous?

It’s also worth bearing in mind Darren, how hard your Travel Agent works for you. Recently 1 of our clients had to cancel their Olympic Holiday to Cyprus two days before departure with 100% cancellation charges. Unfortunatly their insurance provider would not cover their loss due to a Medical condition that had not been disclosed. We Went to the tour Operator, Olympic holidays and explained the situation to them. Olympic were absolutely brilliant and asked if the client wanted to make the same booking at the same hotel in the future, and made an allowance of £1,800.00 for that booking. It’s because we knew the right people to speak to at Olympic, and the result is a happy customer who has faith restored in the Operator and us as a Travel agent fighting on their behalf.

It’s about time us Agents got the recognition of the service and value we provide in times of trouble or problems. And Yes Darren, travel consumers are more adventurous and yes, want to book and plan their own holiday, actually have the flexibility and independence to do what they want to do, when they want to do it, this can all be achieved by spending 5 Minutes with a Travel Professional knowing that their holiday is completely bonded and protected, and the back up and help if something should go wrong.

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I am led to believe that Nick Durham is high up the chain of command at the Irish Travel Agents Association so his comments, are very biased and for someone in his position quite irresponsible.

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I think this is slightly unfair. The reason that the CAA is not offering DIY bookers advice about financial protection is that there’s really very little advice to give. The only cover DIY bookings get comes from the credit card company or travel insurance, and the press release mentions both.

A more interesting question is why these 18 mil DIY bookers who, as you say, want “the flexibility and independence to do what they want to do, when they want to do it” do not feel their needs are met by bonded operators.

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Tempting consumers to use ATOL-bonded operators is absolutely what it is doing – but what’s wrong with that? The issues the press release raises are geniune, and booking with a bonded operator is a genuine way of protecting yourself from them. It’s definitely a form of marketing (it’s a press release, after all) I just think ‘ploy’ is stretching it – there’s nothing devious or underhand going on here.

Also want to clarify that this isn’t about booking with an agent – the ATOL scheme is for tour operators. It covers your money whether you book a package through the trade or directly with the operator.

I have to say my personal experiences are similar to yours (DIY has always worked out ok, and I like the flexibility of it) but failures do occur, as we’ve recently seen, and if it’s a big trip you could end up seriously out of pocket and stranded abroad. I do think the CAA is well within its rights to remind people of that, especially since DIYing is so widespread.

Some good talking points as always… :0)

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Great points here. We are forgetting though those examples where a consumer has booked a holiday with a ATOL member, only to find when they go bust that the company booked a seperate flight and accommodation, thus breaking the bonding.

I am sure this has happened more times than a DIYer getting stuck abroad.

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Whithout doubt travel agents have their place and the vast majority of travel consumers still use them and will continue to do so.

However, the internet has opened up a world of opportunity for travelers who want more flexibility and to save. I have been to over 50 countries and will visit 8 this coming year and I have yet to use the services of a travel agent.

I agree I am still in a minority but it is a growing one and it will continue to grow. As some have pointed out all routes have advantages and disadvantages but the DIY route will be and continue to be the fastest growing sector because as people grow more confident with travel they will be inclined to DIY. It is a natural progression.

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When I think back that 5 years ago I would never think about booking my own holiday, I am now booking trips away for the wife and myself, and that has alot to do with confidence and the enjoyment of booking and planning our own trip.

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All these people booking holidays DIY … can you buy insurance to cover the Financial losses possible should a operators business fail? If not surely there is a gap in the market !

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