Disgraceful Conditions Endured By UK DIY Holidaymakers! A Call For Action!

HolidayTravelWatch has continued throughout this 2010 summer season to receive reports of many package holidaymakers falling ill in resort hotels. The organisation has received contact from many affected holidaymakers suffering with Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, Giardia & Shigella.

HolidayTravelWatch is appalled by the reports we have received from one group of so-called DIY holidaymakers; they have been formed into what is believed to be the first ever group action of so-called DIY holidaymakers – full details in our full press release!

The so-called ‘DIY’ or ‘Dynamic’ method of selling holidays apparently places the Consumer in the driving seat through the ‘choice’ offered by internet portals. These holiday sales methods appear to offer ‘seamless’ transactions backed by a complex range of terms and conditions.

Holidaymakers report that when they experience travel problems within these holiday products, the travel company they have purchased the holiday from will often cite their terms and conditions and refuse to accept any liability for failings in the holiday contract.

Frank Brehany, the Consumer Advocate for HolidayTravelWatch states:

“This story contains probably the most appalling set of holiday complaints we have received this season – how on earth can any travel provider simply point to their terms and conditions? This method of booking a holiday is creating the worst Consumer discrimination possible and creates a two-tier travel product!”

He continues:

“We have long advocated that there is no difference between the sale of a traditional package holiday and that of a so-called ‘DIY’ or ‘Dynamically’ packaged holiday! British Consumers are being led into contracts that apparently offer no protection should something go wrong – these sales are clear attempts to avoid responsibilities under the Package Travel Directive and UK Package Travel Regulations”.

He concludes:

“This group is the first group action of a so-called ‘DIY’ or ‘Dynamically’ packaged holiday; these holidaymakers are suffering real prejudice in Consumer Protection and we have helped them form into a group to challenge this injustice! We will lead the way for Consumers – this is the biggest challenge facing UK holidaymakers and Consumers since 1992! All so-called DIY holidaymakers who have suffered with similar problems should contact us without delay! The time has also come for the EU Commission, Westminster and the Travel Industry to act quickly to prevent this travesty against Consumers!”

Contact Information

Frank Brehany

Consumer Director

HolidayTravelWatch

Contact via E-mail