p28-29 Letters May 22 19/5/09 18:06 Page 29
ttglive.com
letters
A response from Abta: Travel industry must meet to Somak’s Tanzania fam has
defining agency law discuss future of regulation filled me with confidence
A request was made last week for Abta’s Following my recent letter (TTG May 1) and Mark A huge thank you to Somak Holidays for the
definition of agency law. Tanzer’s response in last week’s TTG stating fam trip I have just returned from in Tanzania,
We follow generally accepted legal principles that I have a “basic misunderstanding of Abta’s experiencing the migration of wildebeest.
in this area, which are as follows: role and agency law”, I am delighted my point The people on the ground were so good it has
The relationship between a supplier acting has been made. Yes, I am confused, and so are filled me with confidence to send my clients
as a principal (eg a tour operator, cruise com- the consumers booking holidays they believe to with them because I know they will be looked
pany, hotel, car hire company, insurer etc) and be protected. after from start to finish. As we speak I am
its appointed agents is a complex one. My main concern, both as part of the industry doing an enquiry for Tanzania with Somak so
It is governed by any written or verbal agency and a consumer, is to ensure the travel sector it shows that investing in fam trips works.
agreement and also by general agency law sends out a clear message about financial
principles. It is these general principles which protection. Currently we are not doing this. Paul Dyson, managing partner,
are most important for customers faced with The internet is peppered with chat rooms Spa Travel, West Yorkshire
problems when a travel agent goes bust. posting comments from holidaymakers feeling
The law of agency and the relationship of confused, misled and financially unprotected. Gold Medal Dubai fam trip
agent and principal brings some onerous From the consumer’s point of view, it is was a dream come true
responsibilities for both the principal and the unclear who covers what and this needs to be Thanks to Gold Medal and partners for
agent. The principal must accept responsibility addressed. The travel industry has altered making a dream come true for me – I will
for what its agents’ actions are, even when the dramatically since the creation of Abta and the endeavour to send as many clients as possible
agent acts outside the actual or express CAA’s protection schemes, so the time has come with Gold Medal, flying Emirates, and recom-
authority it has. to acknowledge this fact and discuss how we mending a stay at the Atlantis, The Palm.
can give our industry and the consumer clear
Keith Richards, head of consumer affairs, Abta and adequate financial protection. Simon O’Neill, manager, Oasis Travel,
County Down, Northern Ireland
Protection crisis is harming Antony Martin
the good guys’ reputations managing director, Rock Insurance What do you think?
Is it not time that there was protection for the
consumer and one set of rules? Protection mess is like a Letter of the week wins a
If you wish to sell insurance or financial train crash in slow motion £20 iTunes voucher
products, you must be accredited and certified. I couldn’t agree more with Lucy Huxley’s
£20
courtesy of the German
If you want to install heating or work on build- editorial, “Freedom Direct’s customers have National Tourist Office.
ing sites, you must be accredited and certified. a right to be bitter” (TTG May 15). You have The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday.
If you want to sell food, you are regulated. summed up the issue and the most palatable We need your name, job title and company
So surely the ruling should be if you want to solution perfectly. address. These will be withheld on request.
sell holidays and travel to the consumer, you The whole thing is like a train crash happening Priority is given to letters sent exclusively to
must be bonded. No bond, no business. in slow motion. We can all see it coming but TTG. We reserve the right to edit letters.
Too many companies come and go, owing no one seems able or prepared to stop it. Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com
thousands of pounds to consumers. They offer Consumer protection and its self-regulation Fax: 020 7921 8033
“cheap” holidays, often making pennies, and have historically been the areas where travel Blog: Or why not have your say online?
wonder where it all went wrong. surpasses all other industries. Write a blog at yourspace-ttglive.com
This then tars us with the same brush. The I fear the next big failure will permanently
good guys are bonded, offer protection, have damage that reputation and have the
better knowledge, and care about the con- mainstream media baying for blood.
sumer. They are not here to make a quick buck.
Chris Barker
Martin Owens, homeworker, Future Travel Cruise travel marketing consultant, Manchester
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