Joe Thompson

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Reggie and Simon still believe in package holidays

New research shows that Most People want to still book, to package travel, in spite of what happened after the collapse of Thomas Cook .

the failure of The UK's oldest travel company highlighted the consumer protection, for a holiday booked through a travel agent.

This is what Simon Whitwood thinks. He and his partner, Reggie Grice-Whitwood, saved for three years for their luxury, three-week honeymoon in the Dominican Republic .

Simon and Reggie live in Birkenhead, Merseyside. They work in residential care homes provide palliative and end-of-life care.

flew The couple was the whole day from Thomas Cook went into liquidation on Monday, 23. September.

"We were always excited about our holiday - we have managed another week off from work," says Simon.

"We have £3,500 saved in. But just as we went through passport control, I got a message from my mum to say that Thomas Cook was about to go under. If we go, lost if we had Everything . "

"Simon Says " you were able to enjoy your vacation because you were worried about how you come home.

"It wasn't like a holiday where you could relax, and let your hair down, because the constant nagging in the back of the head," he told the BBC.

Support for the scheme

The couple's vacation was cut short by Two Days , But they were returned home to the United Kingdom was called on a flight organized by the Civil Aviation Authority as part of Operation Matterhorn, The Rescue of the stranded holidaymakers.

want in Spite of their experiences, Simon and Reggie, you can experience the holidays without the stress. You've started to save up again and plan to return in the Dominican Republic in the next couple of years.

you say, you will be able to book the vacation as a package, as the protection of the consumer, the by the ATOL scheme, administered by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The ATOL programme was launched in the year 1973, after a series of travel companies failed, leaving the people stranded overseas. Everyone who books a package tour pays £2. 50 inside.

If you are a travel company goes bust, The Money will be used to the traveler's home. If you have not been away, nor will you be refunded.

Simon and Reggie are not alone, if you want to book a Package Deal . Research for Radio 4 still beats the confidence in The Package travel market.

consumers-analysts-Savvy Marketing surveyed More Than 1,000 holidaymakers. Almost two-thirds say that they book a package holiday, in spite of what is happening at Thomas Cook .

Build a relationship

The Package holiday market has been five consecutive years of growth, according to The Office for National Statistics. Many of these holidays are booked through High-Street agents.

Polka Dot Travel has to open the 18 travel offices and plans at least two more shops in 2020.

The Group 's head of sales, Jenny Lyons, and said to her: "Ten Years ago, everyone, book your holiday online. The people thought they were saving money by booking travel and accommodation separately.

"But people want certainty, and you can now a price. Nothing can office the course of the trip, in which you build a relationship. "

Other companies, too, the Expansion in The Package market.

the No-frills airline EasyJet has recently announced it offers more package travel, while Virgin Holidays also cashing in on The Gap left by the collapse of Thomas Cook 's.

Virgin Holidays Managing Director Joe Thompson says that the demand for package trips remained robust, and demand for the year 2020.

"want to drive the people always in The Holiday ," he says. "This year, The Holiday makers are offered on the search for tailor-made package, which may be multi-location. "

Paul Smith from the Civil Aviation Authority manages the ATOL scheme, said: "We repatriated 140,000 people, most of them, if you expect to come home. The ATOL scheme is still in force, and people should book With Confidence this year. "

You and your' special on The Package travel industry airs at 12:15 on Wednesday, 1. January on BBC Radio 4 .

thomas cook collapse, companies, thomas cook group

Source of news: bbc.com