In the knowledge that one in 10 British tourists have fallen victim to holiday crime, ABTOT has offered advice to holidaymakers on how to safeguard themselves from fraudulent sites. 

Reports suggest that £7.2m was lost in online booking fraud last year, Paul Fakley, development director, ABTOT comments:

“When booking a holiday with a tour operator it’s important for holidaymakers to check if the company is registered with a travel trade association. The logo of that association should be shown prominently on their promotional literature and website.

“If you’re unable to find any reference to a trade association then it is definitely worth querying this with the supplier. If in any doubt you should contact the relevant trade association before parting with any monies.

For holidays that include flights and/or promote the ATOL logo, you can also check the CAA website which lists all ATOL holders.

“We also provide a Travel Portal in which holidaymakers can search by destination and type of holiday to find a holiday that is not only ABTOT protected, but that is guaranteed to be provided by a trusted and established company travel organiser.”