Travel agents urged to apply for FSA authorisation

As the Treasury's consultation into whether the travel agent and tour operator industry should be forced to comply with FSA rules closes, Steve Hook, director of corporate & travel at Mondial UK urges other high street travel agents to join Thomas Cook in applying now for FSA authorisation.

“We have long since argued that the industry as a whole should be standardised, with the debate gathering significant momentum over the last year,” comments Steve Hook. “ABTA's efforts to ensure that its members are adequately trained seemed to have failed. It's a shame but none the less a blessing that Which? and the BBC's Watchdog have had to put the spotlight on the issue. After all, why should consumers be continually exposed to risks as a result of buying insurance from travel agents and tour operators that's potentially not suitable to their needs?

“Partial exemption of connected contracts has been nothing more than a compliance loop-hole and time is running out. I strongly believe the industry as a whole will see a future of full regulatory compliance. It has been long over due, but it is never too late to protect the consumer and the marketplace by setting a benchmark of quality and pricing.

“The move by Thomas Cook to apply now for FSA authorisation before the Treasury has even made its decision, should send out a clear message to the rest of the high street players that burying their heads in the sand may buy them time, but ultimately, it will not excuse them.”