Helping small tour operators and niche agents with travel ecommerce
ATOL?? IPP??
Sorry to drag up this issue of customer financial protection / bonding, etc, but my understanding is that if you are selling packages (flights and accommodation) you have to be ATOL bonded. You can take a full licence (V. pricey!) or small business licence, but you must be able to display the ATOL logo on your marketing materials / brochure / website.
Am I getting this utterly wrong? Reading over some of the previous blogs, and looking at the IPP website, I'm starting to think there are other avenues?
Some clarity on this would be great.
Many thanks.
Am I getting this utterly wrong? Reading over some of the previous blogs, and looking at the IPP website, I'm starting to think there are other avenues?
Some clarity on this would be great.
Many thanks.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alex Bainbridge on -
Hi Rachel
Yes - you have it about right. There are alternatives - TOPP, Travel Trust Association (TTA), IPP
You can be an affiliate of an existing bonded company (so they have the contract between consumer and tour operator) - which is less commission - but less legal issues up front (as you don't form part of the contract between customer and supplier). You could also sell just accommodation if you wish - as soon as you drop selling flights there are less protection issues - but still some that you have to comply with - especially if it is a non flight package (i.e. transport and accommodation, but not a flight)
Best wishes. Alex
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Permalink Reply by Chrissie on -
We've steered clear of flights up to now and offer packages without the travel.
I do notice a local company who sell packages with flights with no mentioned of ATOL on their site. When I questioned them, they state they purchase from suppliers who have the bonding. Should they in that case be providing their supplier's ATOL details?
I'm asking as we may well consider adding flights to some packages this year but really don't want to go down the whole ATOL route just yet. We tend to recommend one or two flights and give our customers the agent details (this has worked well) but if we could purchase them on the back of the supplier's ATOL bonding it would help ride the waves on price variability.
Chrissie
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Permalink Reply by Rachel Harvey on
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Hi Chrissie - I think you can book via an ATOL bonded agent so long as the customer pays for the flight directly with the agent. It can't go via your accounts or the ATOL is void. Also if you are going to display the ATOL logo, it must be your own. I don't believe you can use the logo for marketing purposes if you do not hold the licence yourself.
I've gone down the route with the TTA - going through the membership procedure now, and with membership you are granted a mini ATOL. This is good avenue to follow. I can give you details of my contact there if this helps at all.
What type of holidays do you specialise in?
Hope this helps,
Rachel
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Permalink Reply by Chrissie on
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Thanks for this Rachel. We've managed better than I thought by selling the package without flights, my concern is on some peak season holidays we're running where the flight prices escalate rapidly (Orlando for example). I'll pm you my details for your contact.
We specialise in holidays for single parents - a wide variety from Camping Festivals and hostels through to Mediterranean apartments and skiing holidays. What about you? (I see you're fairly local to me, I'm in Stockport)
Chrissie
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