25 August 2005

Holiday-makers urged to check facts on last minute sun deals

People booking last minute package holidays have been warned to check the facts before they pay.

The warning follows a survey by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) that found 10% of package holidays advertised in travel agents’ shop windows are misleading.

The survey of over 50 Northern Ireland travel agents, carried out between June and August 2005, found that 10% of managers’ special offers advertised in shop windows were either no longer available or were only available at a higher price.

Raymond Dolan, Trading Standards Service, said: “Many travel agents offer good value for money for customers hoping to grab a last minute break in the sun.

"However, our survey demonstrated that customers should be careful before booking. People booking last minute holidays are particularly vulnerable to misleading holiday prices and could be very disappointed when they find out all the facts.

“Those travel agents found to be contravening the legislation could face a fine of up to £5,000. Any travel agent unsure of their legal obligation can contact TSS to get advice to avoid these unnecessary penalties.”

Anyone who feels they have been misled should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 62 62 or log on to www.consumerline.org.

(MB/SP)