Foot and mouth may prompt refunds rush, warns expert

Foot and mouth disease and e-commerce opportunities were just two of the issues discussed at this year's Association of British Tour Operators to France conference held at La Baule in Brittany, France. John Lavabre reports

Bunce: concerned some ferry operators' contracts do not comply with competition legislation

Foot and mouth may prompt refunds rush, warns expert

they might be obliged to refund clients for cancelled holidays if restrictions are placed on the movement of people within the country.

Claire Ingleby, partner with solicitors Mason and Bond, said: "If you are forced to cancel or change a booking as a result of force majeure, this does not get you out of the obligation to offer a full refund or alternative holiday. Do not panic, but do give this serious issue some thought.”

Green Flag insurance underwriting director Paul Smith made it clear there would only be limited reasons why a client could claim on their travel insurance for a cancelled break.

Delegates also heard from the ABTA legal advisor Simon Bunce who expressed concern over contracts issued by some ferry companies which he said may not comply with the Competition Act 1998.

Bunce said:”These contracts say the price for a ferry ticket, when sold by a tour operator as part of a package, must be at least 20% more than the published price for a ferry crossing.

"The Competition Act says it is illegal for agreements to be made to fix prices and these contracts may fall into thatcategory.”