Package travel 'not under investigation' by the CMA

The CMA said on Thursday (30 April) it had instructed its Covid-19 Taskforce to look into "increasing numbers of complaints in relation to cancellations and refunds", including “holiday accommodation” during the pandemic.

But John de Vial, Abta’s director of financial protection and financial services, said package travel was not included in this new CMA investigation.

“With the CMA inquiry, it’s interesting what they have identified and are investigating – weddings, events, concerts, theatre and accommodation websites,” said De Vial during the Elman Wall Covid-19 online webinar.

“It’s in these areas where traders are denying the right to a refund because of the virus – they are saying there’s no refund due at all.

“They are not investigating the package sector at all, and that’s been confirmed to both us and the CAA.

“They can see that there are difficulties and delays with refunds to consumers. But we as regulators and quasi-regulators have said that the right of refund must be protected.

“Insolvency protection is also there, so customers will still get their money back. They are not going to include package travel in the investigation.”