Football fans looking to book last-minute travel to the World Cup in Brazil should do so with reputable travel companies that are members of Abta, the travel association urged today (Thursday).
Major sporting events are a popular target for fraudsters because of the typically high value of these trips. With tickets, hotels and air tickets at a premium, last-minute bookers looking for bargains are particularly vulnerable to being ripped off, Abta warned.
Ten per cent of all incidents of holiday booking fraud last year related to packages of particular trips to major sporting and religious events, according to City of London Police.
Abta head of communications Victorian Bacon said: “We are expecting tens of thousands of fans to head out to Brazil and have a wonderful time soaking up the World Cup atmosphere and enjoying this vibrant country.
“Fans heading out last minute should ensure they book with a reputable travel company who can take the hassle out of travelling to Brazil.
“As well as offering financial protection, these companies will be able to advise on things such as vaccinations and passport requirements.
“It’s also vital that fans take out adequate travel insurance and follow Foreign Office advice regarding health and safety.”
Brazil is growing in popularity with UK tourists and was highlighted by Abta as a destination to watch in 2014 in research conducted last year.
The study also found that four out of ten (39%) of people think Brazil is a beautiful destination, one in five (22%) of people consider it a glamorous party destination, and one in ten (10%) of people said it was a ‘must visit’.