The Association of Independent Tour Operators has launched a new financial protection campaign boasting its members are the only ones to offer 100% guaranteed consumer protection.
Chairman Derek Moore said the initiative, which will be backed by press and radio interviews, will publicise AITO’s claims that the financial protection offered by its 140 members is in excess of legal requirements and better than protection offered by other travel associations.
He said AITO tour operators offer full protection for bookings that are air-inclusive, rail, self-drive, coach holiday or accommodation-only, more than the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL which only offers full protection for air travel or air-inclusive travel.
He added the campaign is designed to take advantage of the current economic uncertainties faced by by consumers. The association’s logo has been changed to include the strapline “Book a holiday with AITO and you are fully financially protected”.
Moore added: “Booking a holiday can be a minefield for consumers – many automatically assume their holidays are protected when they aren’t.
“The last thing people can afford is for their holiday not to be iron clad and the only tour operator organisation to ensure your holiday is fully financially protected is AITO.
“We continue to lobby the Government on the confusing status of protection.”