UK GOVERNMENT URGED TO BACK CONSUMERS AMIDST TRAVEL INDUSTRY TURMOIL

Patricia Gibson MP, Scottish National Party (SNP) spokesperson Consumer Affairs, has urged the UK government, to which such matters are reserved, to financially guarantee refunds for consumers facing cancelled travel plans.

Their is a need to strengthen consumer protection as turmoil in the travel industry grows, putting at risk consumer claims for refunds.

Mrs Gibson said:

"The travel industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

“With travel plans disrupted or cancelled indefinitely and airlines and travel firms in increased difficulty, it is vital that the UK Government establishes a Government Travel Guarantee Fund to strengthen the rights of customers and ensure the survival of the industry.

“Many who a few weeks ago looked forward to a holiday in the sun may now have lost much of their income and are reliant on a refund to help get by.

“The travel industry must also look to ensure that there is capacity to respond to customers affected, so that people are not left with calls which take an eternity to reach someone and emails unanswered for days.“

ENDS