Thousands of British people have had their holiday and travel bookings cancelled because of the pandemic. However, most holiday and travel companies are refusing to refund their customers. We are calling on the UK Government and ABTA to indemnify the travel industry in the same way that savings are protected up to £60,000. 

This refusal to grant full and immediate refunds is against the law and is causing anxiety and distress to thousands of people as their funds are held against their wishes.  Full cash refunds are in line with articles 5(1)(a) and 8(1)(a) of EC Regulation No.261/2004. 

Allegedly, ABTA is supporting this refusal as their members are worried that many travel companies could be going out of business. However, if they hold on to our cash not only will they go out of business, but a lot of hard-earned funds will be lost too. 

My wife and I have been refused a full cash refund by our travel company, Headwater Holidays and have been offered a voucher against future travel. However, this is not covered by any guarantee scheme should the company go out of business. But who is to say that we will want to travel abroad in the next 12 months?