New Government scheme 'will protect millions more British tourists'

PA

New government measures announced today mean that around six million more British holidaymakers will be protected if their tour operator goes bust.

The tough financial times have seen a number of British travel companies crumble (at least 18 in 2011), leaving thousands of tourists stranded, and unsure if they are covered by the Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL scheme.

But, according to the DailyExpress, ministers have now updated the Air Travel Organisers Licensing Scheme to cover anyone who bought a flight, plus one other part of the holiday, like accommodation or car hire, through the same company.

Previously, only people who bought package trips were protected.

With the rising popularity of booking different parts of holidays on the internet, many people have found themselves unprotected by the ATOL scheme.

The change will give holidaymakers more peace of mind, and comes into effect on 30 April 2012.

The new Civil Aviation Bill going through Parliament also suggests customers should receive a certificate confirming whether they are ATOL protected - a move that could be introduced on 1 October 2012.

The collapse of Holidays 4 U back in August 2011 was a prime example of British holidaymakers left unsure of what do. Around 13,000 tourists were left stranded in Turkey, with many being told they had to pay twice or leave the hotel they were in.



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