1992 Holiday Package Regulations Act - HELP SERIOUSLY NEEDED!

[GetBusi]

Hi fellow UBFMs,

I'm starting up a golf tours company that will be exclusively based in the UK. I need to ensure that I'm compliant to the Holiday Package Regulations Act of 1992 and need some serious advice in this regard. Does anyone have an experience of this Act?? Also, does anyone know what documents I'd need to produce due to this act in order to acquire all relevant valid insurance I would need?? I have a few other questions as well so if anyone is able to help I would love to hear from you.

Many thanks,

Glenn
Discover Links Golf Tours

 

[Sparky331]

Hi Glenn,

I don't know anything about the Holiday Package Regs but it may be worth contacting the Federation of Tour Operators as they produced a comprehensive preferred code of practice covering everything from fire safety, through food hygiene, villa safety, hurricane safety to Legionnaires Disease and children's clubs.

This is the guidance which the FTO member tour operators follow when inspecting hotels, apartments and other accommodation overseas. Even I followed it when I inspected hotels and apartment buildings abroad a couple of years ago.

Whether or not they will let you have a copy is debateable if you're not a member and I can't let you have mine or reproduce it unfortunately. But if you ask them nicely.......? This will give you an idea of the safety standards when providing accommodation as part of a holiday 'package'. Could be useful from an insurance point of view.

Cheers

Bob

 

[GetBusi]

Hi Bob,

Many thanks for your reply. It really is appreciated and you've certainly given me something to go on.

Thanks again,

Glenn

 

[Travelling Sam]

Glen,

Are you selling a 'package'? If so you require an ATOL. Have a look here: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=582&pagetype=90

Or are you selling a package on behalf of ATOL holders. If that's the case, I can't help!

The rules for applying for an ATOL are changing next April, which will make it much harder to get an ATOL for a first time Tour Operator. So, you would need to get a move on, and i'm happy to point you in the direction of a company that will help you pick up a small business ATOL.

Sam

EDIT: Sorry, when you mean based in the UK, do you mean you yourself, or all of your holidays. If the latter, please ignore the above!

 

[Rienne]

I know quite a lot about this stuff if you want to PM me.

 

[GetBusi]

Hi Sam,

Many thanks for your message.

For the record, the packages will be exclusively based in the UK but we do intend to offer inbound/outbound flights to overseas customers which I assume we shall need an ATOL license for. I'd envisage under 500 customers per annum so I believe we qualify for a small business ATOL license. If you know of someone who can help that would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Glenn

 

[Rienne]

ATOL's only apply to flights originating from the UK. They are designed to protect and repatriate clients who travel from the UK to destinations outside the UK. It doesn't sound like this is what you are doing.

Don't know which countries you are going to be selling to, but really is it worth you getting involved with the flights at all if they are originating overseas?

 

[Travelling Sam]

Hi Glenn,

I use these guys, very helpful, marginally slower than i'd like, PM if you want me to make an introduction.

http://www.travel-general.com/topp_intro.asp

Also get moving before April, my understanding is it will be a lot harder once the new ATOL regulations come into force (although again speak to the experts).

I've no idea about inbound tourism, but if you do need one, ensure you predict less than 500 pax for the next 3 years, otherwise you'll need a full ATOL.

Good luck!

Sam

 

[GetBusi]

Hi Again Rienne,

Many thanks for the advice on the ATOL license - as we shall be running tours exclusively in the UK I don't think we'll need an ATOL license. For the record, what's the deal with domestic flights?? Also, we shall be marketing our business in Scandinavia and American.

Many thanks again,

Glenn