Northern Ireland businesses operating in the travel sector have been warned to treat consumers fairly or face enforcement action.

The warning comes in the wake of over 800 complaints since mid-March to the Department’s free consumer advice service, Consumerline, from consumers who have had their holidays cancelled as a result of the current pandemic.

TSS has written to a number of travel agents in Northern Ireland advising them to pay refunds for cancelled holidays or face possible enforcement action.

Concern about harm consumers are suffering

TSS continues to remain ‘concerned’ about the harm which consumers are suffering in the package travel sector with many travel businesses not providing the refunds required by consumer law when package holiday contracts are terminated as a result of Covid-19.

Complaints made to Consumerline include consumers having difficulty in contacting the tour operator or booking provider and consumers only being offered a voucher or a refund credit note, in some cases misleadingly, or only being given the option to rebook the flights at a later date rather than a cash refund.

Other complaints include long delays in obtaining a refund, including consumers who requested a refund back in March being told that they will have to wait until next year before it is returned.

Some passengers have been told that due to the higher value of their flight tickets, they will have to wait longer for a refund.

Travellers have also been charged fees for altering dates, cancelling or rebooking flights by the travel booking agent.

Where a consumer has already accepted a voucher, in some cases unwittingly, they are having difficulty obtaining their preferred option of a cash refund instead.

Consumers also said they are struggling to claim redress through their card provider (section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974) until they have gone through the full process of attempting to obtain refunds directly from travel providers in the first instance.

29 local NI travel agents “given guidance and advice”

As a result of these complaints, TSS has provided advice and guidance to 29 local travel agents reminding them that they need to abide by consumer law and take immediate corrective action to bring about compliance.

TSS expects that consumers who are entitled to refunds will be paid those refunds and that businesses will comply with consumer law.

Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector for the Trading Standards Service, said, “We appreciate the difficulties at this time faced by all these businesses.

“However, consumers’ rights under the Package Travel Regulations 2018 have not changed during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The costs associated with holidays can be substantial and it is important that consumers continue to receive the protection afforded by the law.

“While it is the case that a consumer can be offered a re-booking or a voucher, they should not be cajoled into accepting these if a refund is their preferred option.

Vouchers or rebookings from Northern Ireland businesses “must be fair”

“Also, any restrictions that may apply to vouchers or re-bookings must be fair and drawn to the attention of consumers.

“Trading Standards has been engaging with a number of local travel agents pointing out the law in this area,” he continued.

“It is hoped this will lead to an improvement in how these traders deal with their customers when holidays have had to be cancelled.

“However, if we find evidence that companies are failing to comply with the law, then TSS will take appropriate enforcement action, which could ultimately include taking a business to court if it does not address our concerns,” Damien warned.

Anyone who has encountered problems arising from cancelled holidays and requires advice should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

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