Late Atol renewals risk period without a licence


Ian Taylor


More than 200 Atol holders risk missing out on a period of peak summer trading by being unable to sell package holidays from April 1 as they have yet to submit Atol licence renewal applications to the CAA. The CAA revealed more than


one-third (36%) of companies due to renew by the end of March had yet to apply last week and urged them to submit applications. Alan Bowen, advisor to the


Association of Atol Companies, warned: “It’s a serious issue.” He said businesses had become


“terrified” of the CAA’s financial requirements due to Covid at recent renewals, noting: “We’ve seen an increase in the number of Atol holders leaving it until the last minute because they were terrified their accounts were so bad. Now they’re waiting in the hope of producing a good set of accounts because February bookings have been great.” However, Bowen warned: “Some


people may run out of time and you can’t sell holidays if you don’t have a licence. If a company appears on the CAA list as not having a licence from


April 1 that is a serious issue. They can take reservations, but they can’t take bookings and they certainly can’t take any money.” More than 600 businesses are


due to renew Atols by the end of this month. At the April 2021 renewal, 12% of licence applications were not granted by the renewal date after many were submitted in the final 10 days. At last September’s renewal, 118 renewals remained outstanding after 22% of applications came in the final two weeks. CAA head of Atol Michael Budge said: “We understand the challenges


More than 600 Atol


holders are due to renew their licences this month


travel companies continue to face and are working closely with them to support licence renewals.” But he added: “Applications must


be thoroughly assessed and, where licence conditions are required, these must be met before new licences can be granted. Businesses should submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid delays.” The CAA noted it “needs to


closely assess businesses that need additional support [and] this can only be done if Atol holders discuss their position openly and in a timely manner”.


Sales at risk as online fraud security upped


Online retailers risk losing millions in abandoned sales if unable to support Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) anti-fraud security, according to payment processor Barclaycard Payments. SCA, or two-factor authentication, became mandatory on Monday, requiring online buyers to enter a one-time passcode alongside card details at checkout.


Tui drops face mask rule in parts of UK


Tui Airways has dropped its requirement for passengers to wear face masks on flights to and from England and Northern Ireland. The airline followed Jet2.com in dropping the rule, although it “strongly recommends” masks are worn. Under current guidance, masks remain mandatory for customers aged 12 and above travelling to and from Wales and Scotland.


MSC pauses Chelsea FC marketing activities


MSC Cruises will “temporarily withdraw” marketing activities with its partner Chelsea FC, following the sanctioning of club owner Roman Abramovich in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The line said it looked forward to a transition of ownership and would continue to support the club and its fans in future.


Virgin Voyages apologises after UK cancellations


Virgin Voyages chief executive Tom McAlpin apologised to affected passengers and insisted the UK market remained “very important in the long run” after the line


6 17 MARCH 2022


cancelled three ex-UK departures in April. Speaking at a launch event for


Valiant Lady in Tilbury, McAlpin said the company had gone “over the top” on compensation for affected customers after the April 4, 15 and 18 sailings were cancelled in favour of a ship charter. Impacted passengers who wish


to rebook will automatically receive a 150% Future Voyage Credit (FVC)


Tom McAlpin


if they have paid the entire fare. Passengers who would prefer


a refund will receive their money back plus a FVC of 25% of the sum they have paid to date. All affected passengers will also


be offered the chance to book a five-night voyage for free. McAlpin said: “We’ve developed


a cancellation policy for those sailings that is very generous. Our reputation is important to us.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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