The promise of financial protection is helping boost business for Aito Specialist Travel Agents (STA).
A poll of the group’s 130 agents found 89% reporting that more clients are booking with a member due to events such as the ash cloud, British Airways strikes and the high profile collapse of several holiday companies.
Clients are opting to buy holidays through Aito STA due to the financial protection they come with, the survey highlighted.
After financial protection, the survey showed the opportunity to receive expert advice and the time saving to be gained from booking through an agent instead of trawling through the internet were the top reasons why more clients have been arranging holidays with member agents.
The collapse of companies such as Goldtrail and Sun4U have made consumers sit up and think about booking a holiday with full financial protection, according to the independent agency body.
Chairman Oliver Broad said: “2010, particularly the first half, has been a challenging time for the travel industry, both for travel companies and consumers.
“Members tell me that people booking DIY holidays have been badly caught out by the ash cloud disruption and airline strikes leaving them out of pocket, chasing compensation and with the inconvenience of trying to rearrange their travel plans at the last minute.
“I’m a realist and while the internet-based model of dynamically packaging is not over, travellers are more aware of the pitfalls and the lack of financial protection it provides.”
By typically offering holidays from Aito members, and other protected operators, Aito STA are helping to meet this demand.
All 140 tour operator members of Aito offer holidays with financial protection.