LGBTQ travellers are being urged to show caution when booking specialist Pride Month package holidays in June.
The Civil Aviation Authority warned today of “unscrupulous websites and individuals looking to make money selling fake or illegal pride package holidays”.
The alert came as cities across the world prepare for an historic succession of parades, with WorldPride hosted in New York for the first time this year.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s Atol financial protection scheme is launching a campaign to advise travellers to ensure they are protected, especially when booking through specialist travel agents.
The increase in the availability of LGBTQ agents and operators is a welcome sight for travellers that may feel their interests are not adequately represented by other companies, according to the regulator.
“However, it is essential that, when booking a package holiday through any specialist travel company, consumers are adequately protected,” the CAA advised.
CAA head of Atol Andy Cohen said: “LGBTQ travellers will be taking part in Pride celebrations all over the world this summer, whether part of official parades or joining in the festivities.
“When booking any package holidays for these trips, it is important to be aware of travel companies that may seek to fraudulently or illegally sell package holidays.
“Watch out for the Atol logo when booking and always research the travel company on the Atol website.
“The easiest way to protect yourself financially when booking a holiday is to confirm that the holiday you are booking is Atol protected.”
