'Book early to beat the crunch'
By Sebastian Lander, TravelMail
Last updated at 13:50 21 January 2009
Getaway: Late deals are thin on the ground, says travel chief
A travel industry chief has advised holidaymakers to book early to beat the credit crunch - as last-minute deals could be thin on the ground.
Speaking exclusively to TravelMail, Thomson and First Choice Customer Director Tim Williamson said: 'First and foremost book early - we really don't think that there's going to be that many last-minute deals around.
'Especially if you're picky about the sort of hotels and destination you want, now is the time when there's good availability and good deals.'
Mr Williamson also advised Britons to make sure they book with an ATOL or ABTA-backed travel firm in the current economic climate.
The ATOL protection scheme ensures that if passengers booked on package holidays become stranded abroad, they will be brought home.
Booking directly with an airline does not offer the same protection.
TUI Travel - parent company of Thomson and First Choice - has been urging the Government to standardise the scheme.
Mr Williamson said: 'It's already a confusing protection landscape out there and we're lobbying very hard with the Government to get a simple scheme that we understand, that customers understand.
'In the meantime my advice is book with someone who is a member of ABTA, has ATOL protection under them so this is a Government-backed scheme and look for a reputable company.'
Frances Tuke, of ABTA The Travel Association, added: 'We would suggest that people book with ABTA or ATOL to protect themselves.
'Travel is really holding up very well indeed and so far we've seen no ABTA members go under this year.'
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