CAA to train agents on ATOL bonds

THE CIVIL Aviation Authority has begun talks with the trade to train agents to confidently explain the safety net provided by the package holiday to customers.

First Choice and MyTravel are discussing with the CAA ways to increase agents’ knowledge of ATOL and ABTA bonding.

It follows a trade backlash against Goldman Sachs’ report about ‘cheaper’ DIY holidays, which operators such as La Manga specialist Barwell Leisure have branded misleading because of unfair comparisons and no mention of extras such as transfers.

Barwell Leisure executive chairman Richard Lemmer said: “We need to hit back.”

The CAA wants agents to be armed with information about the financial protection of a package, particularly if holidaymakers claim there are cheaper deals on-line.