25/08/2005
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
06 February 2024
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
30 January 2024
DUP Agrees Deal To End Boycott Of NI Powersharing
After a 23-month break, powersharing in Northern Ireland will be restored following a decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
DUP Agrees Deal To End Boycott Of NI Powersharing
After a 23-month break, powersharing in Northern Ireland will be restored following a decision by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP had been blocking a functioning assembly and executive due to concerns about post-Brexit trade arrangements.
28 March 2024
Economy Minister Highlights 'All-Island Economic Opportunities'
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that it is "time to grasp all-island economic opportunities". Minister Murphy held meetings in Dublin with Catherine Martin, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Economy Minister Highlights 'All-Island Economic Opportunities'
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that it is "time to grasp all-island economic opportunities". Minister Murphy held meetings in Dublin with Catherine Martin, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
08 March 2024
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Threatens Tourism Growth
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has raised concerns over the introduction of the British Government Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Meeting with the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA), the Minister said that the scheme could threaten Northern Ireland's tourism growth.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.