Advantage Travel Centres is to introduce what it describes as a “rigorous set of criteria” for bed banks working with the consortium.
Advantage is to insist on minimum standards required for the bed banks to remain on its list of approved partners. This is to apply essentially to non-principal bed banks.
It is particularly concerned about the issue of member liability in the event of serious injury or death of holidaymakers, protection of client payments/bonding and the health and safety auditing of overseas properties.
The consortium is seeking urgent talks with all the suppliers involved in the next few weeks.
Commercial director Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “The commerical team has invested considerable time to examine the status of the various accommodation-only suppliers as part of a wider effort to keep members up-to-date with the whole issue of ‘principal versus non-principal’ and the various legal ramifications.
“It is quite clear that our members are exposed to significant liability by dealing with certain suppliers. Non-principal bed banks will only remain on our list of authorised partners if their terms and conditions meet our requirements. We will not support those that are unwilling to confirm.”
Advantage is calling for bedbanks to have:
- Indemnity insurance with a minimum of £5 million (covering product and liability)
- Payment terms that are close to departure date
- Emergency helplines for holidaymakers
- Clear and satisfactory evidence that properties sold have adequate health and safety audits