The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has started discussions about introducing a new ATOL certificate, to be provided to every customer who books an ATOL-protected holiday, guaranteeing that in the event their tour operator ceases trading they will be looked after by the CAA if they are abroad or refunded by ATOL if they havent yet travelled.
p> The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has started discussions about introducing a new ATOL certificate, to be provided to every customer who books an ATOL-protected holiday, guaranteeing that in the event their tour operator ceases trading they will be looked after by the CAA if they are abroad or refunded by ATOL if they havent yet travelled. The certificate would be a simple document, clearly setting out what is protected and replacing the existing complex range of paperwork holidaymakers are currently given when they book. The CAA is currently in discussion with ATOL holders and consumer representatives, with a view to setting up a working group to get industry and consumer expertise before consulting on the proposal.
Deputy director of the consumer protection group at CAA, David Moesli, said: ?The holiday failures this summer showed that a lot of consumers are left confused and frustrated when operators cease trading, thanks in no small part to the poor standard of documentation in the travel industry, particularly amongst travel agents. "Introducing the ATOL Certificate would mean that the second someone books a holiday they receive a single document that sets out what is protected by ATOL and guarantees they can finish their holiday or get their money back if their operator fails."
