May 2005
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Floyds Direct Travel Insurance News Section

Tuesday, May 31st

Britain's Biggest Travel Agent Moves Into Holiday Homes


Britain's Biggest Travel Agent Moves Into Holiday Homes by Peter Ranscombe

The travel giant Thomson will tomorrow move into the estate agency market, making foreign properties available for people walking into high street shops for the first time.
Properties in Cyprus, Portugal and Spain will go on sale, with customers able to take a virtual tour of individual homes using computers in the travel agent's 750 stores.

A survey of 1,600 people by Thomson, the high street's biggest tour operator, revealed that 55 per cent of Britons want to buy abroad, either as their main residence or as a second home.
The company estimates that Britons have already bought about half a million foreign properties, half of them in Spain.
Thomson research showed that Portugal was the most popular place for people aged between 40 and 50.

Miles Morgan, the company's marketing director, said: "Thanks to the growth of low cost travel, television programmes about living abroad and people looking to invest in property rather than pensions, owning a home abroad is now a realistic option for lots of people. The travel industry has changed massively over the last few years. To survive in a very competitive market, travel agents need to broaden the range of what they sell. This is a natural step."
Mr Morgan added: "This is a ground-breaking partnership that for the first time makes overseas home ownership available from High Street travel agents."

Sean Tipton, from the Association of British Travel Agents, said: "Many more travel agents are looking into new areas and it makes sense for them to start selling property abroad.
"If you look at places like Spain, where property prices are traditionally lower, the trend for holidaymakers to buy property is growing. Thomson are well placed to get involved because they are the experts at selling holidays in these places." Thomson aim to cash in on the growing market for purchasing foreign homes by making the process easy for would-be buyers. As many as 66 per cent of people it surveyed did not know how to get information about properties abroad.

Diversifying its business may help Thomson in its battle with online travel retailers, who now offer flights, accommodation and car hire at low prices over the internet.
Travel agents say that their personal approach makes them more attractive to customers but industry experts believe spreading out into other areas will help to save the traditional high street shops.
Thomson's survey showed 38 per cent of people wanted to buy abroad just so they could have their own place and avoid traditional hotels and resorts. This figure rose to 50 per cent among 16-24 year olds.

A spokeswoman for Thomson said: "We find that the most popular place for Scottish people to holiday in is Spain and so we're pleased to be offering Spain as one of the areas where people can buy properties."
The company expects to sell about 1,000 properties during its first year in business, which is being run in conjunction with overseas property firm Parador Properties.

TOP TEN HOT SPOTS

The top ten destinations for British people buying property abroad are...

Costa del Sol (Spain)
Côte d'Azur (France)
Costa Blanca (Spain)
Costa Brava (Spain)
Balearic and Canary Islands (Spain)
Algarve (Portugal)
Madeira, Azores (Portugal)
Italy
Cyprus
Greece

(this article was taken from thescotsman.com)

Floyds Direct on 31.05.05 @ 11:01 AM GMT [link]


Friday, May 27th

Cleaning N.Ireland's Tarnished Image


BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- Once renowned worldwide for bombs, bullets and bigotry, Northern Ireland is doggedly rebuilding its tarnished image and now boasts more than two million visitors a year.

At the height of the Irish Republican Army's campaign to oust Britain from the province, working for the Tourist Board ranked as one of the most unenviable in the travel business. But now, cashing in on the low cost airline boom to attract city break visitors from across Europe, the tourist industry has ambitious targets.

"We need to get their spend up but we topped the magic two million mark last year and are aiming for seven percent growth this year," said Northern Ireland Tourist Board chief executive Alan Clarke.

"We have nine more air routes coming in here from Europe this year. All this helps to build up confidence in Northern Ireland," he told Reuters. "Of course we started from a low base but it is going in the right direction."

The 1998 Good Friday accord brought an uneasy peace to the province where more than 3,600 people died in 30 years of sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics.

But efforts to sustain a local assembly have still not succeeded. Its 1997 ceasefire may be holding but the IRA has still not pledged to lay down its arms forever. Tourists, however, seem not to worry. Visitors from Britain have risen by 50 percent since 2000 and Ireland, with its booming Celtic Tiger economy, is a real tourist gold mine on the province's doorstep if more Emerald Isle visitors can be tempted northwards.

The Dublin and Belfast tourist boards now work together in marketing and promotion and Clarke said: "This is one of the most tangible results of the peace agreement." Long gone are the days when the only images beamed around the world from Northern Ireland were of death and destruction.

"Our surveys show that when visitors get here, they do feel safe. We have work to do but we want to be in the news for the right reasons, not the wrong ones," he said. "Tourism is a real barometer of economic confidence."

Even its bloody past is proving to be a boom with sharp-eyed local entrepreneurs laying on "Troubles Tours" to show visitors the troublespots of Belfast where rioters once pelted police with petrol bombs and sectarian killings abounded. That is fine by Clarke. "You try to meet customer needs and people want to know what happened here and why. I think there are now about half a dozen groups organising tours in Belfast."

City breaks, golf, fishing and some of the most unspoilt scenery on the island of Ireland are proving to be real tourist magnets. But Clarke is keen to beef up the heritage attractions and 2012 offers a convenient target to aim for.

That marks the centenary of the Titanic being launched from Belfast for its brief career as the world's most famous ocean liner before being sunk on its maiden voyage by an iceberg.

Eager to cash in on the box office success of the Titanic film, plans are now afoot to develop a visitor centre in the docks where the doomed liner was built. In a surreal celebration of Belfast's industrial heritage, artist Rita Duffy is planning in 2008 to tow an iceberg from north of Norway into Belfast.

She believes the iceberg would represent a dramatic piece of "performance art" as it slowly melted in Belfast Lough.

(this article was taken from cnn.com)
Floyds Direct on 27.05.05 @ 10:08 AM GMT [link]


Thursday, May 26th

Travel Slump Hits Tsunami Areas


Travel Slump Hits Tsunami Areas by Nick Easen for CNN

(CNN) -- Travel and tourism spending in countries hit by the December 26 tsunami is experiencing a renewed slump, after an initial recovery two months ago.

The economies of the areas that were hit still remain fragile and are likely to take a lot longer to recover, according to fresh data from credit card firm Visa International.

Spending by cardholders fell in April and May in Phuket, Maldives and Sri Lanka compared to last year -- all destinations that were hit by massive waves that killed an estimated 273,800 people and left thousands missing.

The drop in spending coincided with the earthquake on the Indonesian island of Nias on March 28 and the resurgence in tsunami fears.

Travel industry experts at a recent World Tourism Organization (WTO) conference in Bali also concluded that the recent spending slump corresponded with a drop in media coverage and interest in the affected areas.

Figures released at the conference showed that credit card spending at Phuket in the week ending May 8 was 37 percent lower than the same week in 2004, despite being up by six percent in March.

A similar picture occurred in the Maldives, where a recovery between February and March was followed by a 35 percent year-on-year decline in May.

"We found that $3 billion is likely to be lost from the tourism industry in the region -- but that is turning out to be a conservative estimate," James Murray, Visa's executive vice-president for Southeast Asia, told the conference.

According to a Visa survey conducted in March, travelers are still concerned about health and safety, as well as the state of the infrastructure in the affected areas.

The data suggests that travelers from some countries were also more traumatized than others -- spending by U.S. tourists increased in May while spending by Taiwanese was down significantly.

"Tourists need more information about the impact the tsunami has had on tourist facilities," said former U.S. president and special U.N. envoy Bill Clinton in a video message to the WTO conference.

"Some potential tourists simply do not know that many of the resorts in the region are fully recovered and open for business."

Jero Wacik, the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism added that, "this confusing perception is already having a dramatic effect on the tourist arrivals in all regions in Indonesia."

Tourism experts at the conference likened the impact of the tsunami to other problems that have hit the region, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the Bali bombing of 2002. The travel industry took months to recover from both of those tragedies.

According to data from Visa, the Indonesian island of Bali has shown 18 consecutive months of positive growth in credit card spending since November 2003.

The conference highlighed the fact that many areas in Asia did not suffer from the tsunami, yet they have experienced a slump in tourism due to people's perceptions about the region.

Many in Asia's travel trade also realize the importance of leisure and business travelers to the region's economy.

"The average tourism worker supports five other people in Asia," says Deborah Luhrman, a WTO consultant.

this article was taken from cnn.com


Floyds Direct on 26.05.05 @ 10:12 AM GMT [link]


Wednesday, May 25th

Tour Operators and Hoteliers Get Together to Plan Ahead


The market environment for hoteliers and tour operators is changing very rapidly. With the advance of the internet as the place consumers go to research and book their travel, it is becoming easier for them to compare prices and availability. The new comparison web sites and the technology that powers them are tipping the balance of power towards consumers.

In response, the market has witnessed a great deal of innovation, which has helped companies of all sizes to save costs and operate much more efficiently. There has also been a period of consolidation with some very large companies emerging.

Looking ahead, what are the opportunities and the threats? Which new technologies should rise and dominate? What are the best ideas to both reduce costs and increase brand differentiation? Above all, what initiatives must hoteliers and operators take together in order to optimise the profitably and efficiency of the industry?

Under the title: ‘Automation, Consolidation and Commoditisation: Are You Ready?’, senior executives from many of the leading travel web sites, hotels, GDS and technology providers, and other key players in the travel distribution industry will meet to exchange views on the future of travel distribution.

The seminar will take place at 9.30 am – 1.00 pm at the Business Design Centre, London N1 on Tuesday 7th June 2005 and speakers will include:


· Expedia – Bruce Redor, Director of Key Accounts
· Marriott Hotels – Mike Burns, Director of Ecommerce
· OctopusTravel.com - Daniela Wagner, Managing Director
· Opodo - John Ryan, Director of Hotel Product Strategy
· Pegasus Solutions - John Seaton, Regional Director, Sales and Account Mgmt,
· Pelican Systems - Hartono Liman
· Traveljungle – Hans-Josef Vogel, Co-Founder
· Jacob Online - Mario Bodini, Managing Director


This event is part of the Eye for Travel Distribution Summit, taking place at the same venue.

Journalists will be free to meet delegates and speakers and to interview them about the various subjects under discussion.

(this article was taken from eyefortravel.com)
Floyds Direct on 25.05.05 @ 11:23 AM GMT [link]


Tuesday, May 24th

Foreign Office Advice on Travel to Ireland


Still Current at: 24 May 2005
Updated: 23 May 2005

IRELAND

Ireland shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by the serious bomb attacks on the trains in Spain last March.

Some airliners require photo ID for security. Take your passport, just in case.

Remember that the currency in Ireland is the Euro.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Ireland changed all road signs from imperial to metric measurements on 20 January 2005.

Safety & Security

Terrorism
Ireland shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, as demonstrated by serious bomb attacks on the trains in Spain last March. Please see the Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas pages for further information and advice

Crime
Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a trouble-free time and experience no difficulties during their stay. The capital, Dublin, is a bustling city and tends to be the centre for nightlife and shopping, attracting a lot of people. The Dublin shopping centre is very busy especially at weekends. Take normal, sensible precautions to avoid personal attacks, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Try to avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money.

You should make sure that vehicles are properly secured, and where possible park in secure parking lots. Do not leave valuables such as handbags or mobile phones in your car.


Local Laws & Customs

Do not drink and drive over the legal drinking limit. You may be heavily penalised or even imprisoned.

It is now illegal to smoke in places of employment in Ireland. This covers pubs and restaurants. Do not be tempted to light up.

Ireland changed all road signs from imperial to metric measurements on 20 January 2005.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment. Do not offer to carry parcels or luggage for any other person when entering or leaving Ireland.


Entry Requirements

Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. This means that United Kingdom passport holders do not require their passport to visit Ireland for immigration purposes. However, some airlines require photo ID for travel between the UK and Ireland (and between some UK airports). Check with your airline when booking your ticket what is required. It is a good idea to take your passport anyway, just in case.


Health

Make sure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover your stay in Ireland. If you need a doctor you may be asked to pay for the consultation there and then.

You should take with you form E111, which should be completed before you leave the United Kingdom (see UK Department of Health leaflet "HEALTH ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS" tel: 0800 555 7777). This can be obtained from most post offices, and entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Irish nationals. Although this can help you get emergency medical treatment in Ireland, it is not a substitute for medical insurance.

For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk


General

Check before you travel that your bank cash card can be used in the hole-in-the-wall cash dispensers in Ireland. Remember that the currency in Ireland is the Euro.


Contact Details

Address: British Embassy
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4

Telephone: (353)(1) 205 3700 Main Switchboard
(353) (1) 205 3775 Commercial
(353) (1) 205 3792 Defence
(353) (1) 205 3700 Passport/Visa
(353) (1) 205 3742 Press & Public Affairs enquiries only


Facsimile: (353) (1) 205 3885 Management
(353) (1) 205 3880 Commercial
(353) (1) 205 3731 Chancery
(353) (1) 205 3890 Consular/Passport/Visa
(353) (1) 205 3893 Press & Public Affairs
(353)(1) 205 3878 Defence


Floyds Direct on 24.05.05 @ 10:03 AM GMT [link]


Monday, May 23rd

New Low-Cost Scheme From Airline


Airline BMI is to turn most of its Heathrow service into a low cost operation by scrapping business class on all but four of its routes.

The company plans to introduce low fares - starting at £25 one way - and charge for on-board food on 13 of its routes from the airport.
The move follows a six month study of the views of 10,000 air passengers.
Business class services on flights from Heathrow to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast City and Brussels will not be affected.

The move brings the Heathrow operation into line with the companies budget airline, bmibaby, which operates out of five UK airports.

Nigel Turner, bmi's Chief Executive said: "More than half of air passengers travel on business. They or their companies choose to travel in economy.
"Our leisure travellers are getting lowest fares but a full service. Now they can choose what they want and what they want to pay for when they travel."

The changes do not affect the services run by the company's regional operation out of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Nottingham East Midlands airports.

(this news article was taken from BBCnews)
Floyds Direct on 23.05.05 @ 10:38 AM GMT [link]


Thursday, May 19th

Basic E111 Forms Are Not Enough


Travel insurance, and E111 forms, should be top of holidaymakers' priorities this summer, experts have said.
With two bank holidays in May alone Britons are looking over the Channel to find some sun, fun, or culture, but millions might be paying too much or missing out on essential cover by not taking simple precautions.

If you do nothing else, ensuring you have a valid E111 form is a good start to obtaining medical treatment abroad should you need it. However, since the E111 only covers treatment provided under the country's state scheme, and does not include costly extras such as personal liability cover, cancellation and loss of baggage, it should not be seen as a substitute for a comprehensive insurance policy.

It has also been noted that although it may seem easier and less time-consuming to tag your insurance onto your holiday package deal, if you take a little time to do your own research, you could save yourself up to 80 per cent by opting for the best value deal from an independent provider.

The best things course of actions to ensure a safe and insured trip:

-Always keep a photocopy of your E111 form with the original. If you apply for treatment in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic and Spain a photocopy is required as well as your original E111. You will be given back your E111 but the photocopy will be kept. However, in some countries the original E111 may be kept by the authorities.

-Always check that your holiday destination is covered by the E111 form. Not all European destinations are currently EU member countries.

-Always check the small print. Some insurers may only cover you for medical costs that are over and above those included in a reciprocal health arrangement e.g. the level of cover you would receive via an E111. So if you do not have the E111, you would have to pay the first part of the costs yourself.
Always take your policy document with you. It is not enough to have taken out a policy as many hospitals abroad will insist on seeing evidence of your insurance policy before they proceed.
Is the destination country deemed safe for travel?

-You will not be insured if you are travelling to a country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against travel. For advice on countries not to travel to and for global information prior to travel visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

You can browse our policies on this page, and get an instant quote to suit your holiday requirements on this page.
Floyds Direct on 19.05.05 @ 10:07 AM GMT [link]


Top-up Insurance is a Lucrative Earner


Advantage is making "hundreds of thousands" of pounds a year through its insurance arm - a source of revenue set to grow as DIY packaging gathers pace. Insurance services director Roger Smith claimed the consortium had already sold thousands of top-up insurance policies since they were launched a few months ago.

"We are charging £1.75 per person to cover non-bonded elements of travel such as airlines and hotels," he said. "Unlike the Abta policy, it is not designed to be 'sold' as an ancillary. This is about protecting our members, Abta is telling people to mark it up to £5. I find this difficult to do as it's basically there to protect the agent. It's tricky to explain why an extra £5 per person is being added. Every little counts on price these days, so £1.75 is more palatable."

The top-up policies, which are now a compulsory part of self-packaged holidays for Abta members, are available through new website advantage4sure.com. They can be bought by any agent - not just Advantage members. Smith added: "It is designed for agents doing a lot of dynamic packaging, which at the moment is more hype than reality for the bulk of them."
Floyds Direct on 19.05.05 @ 09:45 AM GMT [link]


Wednesday, May 18th

Hotel Horrors


Hotel guests in the UK may be sharing their beds with some uninvited guests, according to a hygiene survey.

England's hotels are failing basic hygiene and cleanliness tests, according to a report by Holiday Which? The watchdog is calling for a statutory grading system for the country's hotels after revealing dirty bed-linen, bacteria breeding lavatories and insect infestations across a sample of 20 hotels in London and Blackpool.

An independant Microbiologist analysed swabs taken from areas such as loo seats, taps, light switches and phone handsets. The inspections found a high level of bacteria on most items, in addition to toenail clippings, dead flies and ants. Fourteen of the 20 hotels failed the test. Bacteria found included enterobacteriaceae, which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and pseudomonas which can cause ear and skin infections.

None of the hotels inspected, which included properties from chains such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Travel Inn, Ibis and Thistle, earned a 100% rating in their tests - although London properties fared better than their northern counterparts.

But British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton scoffed at the report, saying a microbiologist would find the bacteria anywhere. "The important question is whether it is a risk to public health," he said. A recent 'fit for purpose' scheme, which would have seen hotels having to meet legal health and hygiene requirements, failed to win government funding.

Currently, about 40% of England's hotels are inspected and rated by various organisations, such as the AA and RAC, but tourism authorities hope the number will increase to 75% with the introduction of a new standardised UK-wide grading scheme next year.

The scheme is to undergo consultation over the next few months before being introduced in 2006. But Cotton said: "Grading is a totally seperate issue to hygiene; it's a marketing issue and should be voluntary. The law should tell the public if a place is clean and safe."

(this article was written by Linda Fox)
Floyds Direct on 18.05.05 @ 04:07 PM GMT [link]


Tuesday, May 17th

Survey Reveals Insurance Void


Nearly one in 10 business travellers don't know if they are insured when on a business trip, according to a Barclaycard Business Survey. The survey found that 64% of business travellers have travel insurance organised by their employer or designated supplier and 24% organise it themselves. But 9% of business travellers don't know whether they are covered.

Business travel bosses said the survey highlighted a key service that travel management companies could stress when touting for contracts. Barclaycard Business head of card issuing Tim Carlier said the survey painted a frightening picture. "It is worrying that nearly one-tenth of business travellers are unsure who has responsibility for organising their insurance," he said. "Insurance is one of the most important purchases when travelling and failure to be covered could result in complicated financial implications and personal difficulty. It is important for employers to ensure their staff are aware of company policies."

The survey also found that employees with smaller companies were more likely to have to arrnge their own travel insurance. Cover was arranged by 47% of employees working or companies with turnovers of up to £250,000 but by just 6% of staff employed by firms turning over £100 million.

According to Jonathan Cooper, travel manager for the accident and health division of AIG Europe, this was due to smaller companies being less likely to have someone that dealt with business travel specifically. "Every company needs to develop a policiy about travel insurance and let everyone in the company know, even if it is that they should organise it themselves," he said. "The change in dynamic of booking business travel has perhaps encouraged this confusion as booking travel isn't necessarily centrally controlled and power has been devolved, probably wrongly, to the employee."

Michael Hare, managing director of travel management company Fleet Street Travel, said this highlighted the value of travel management firms. He said: "They can control the type of travel and everything else at a company level. Travel management companies are happy to promote travel insurance."

(this article was written by Simon Crawshaw)
Floyds Direct on 17.05.05 @ 10:25 AM GMT [link]


Monday, May 16th

Risk of Mugging in Barcelona...


Barcelona is a beautiful city with amazing architecture, food and places to visit (Mail), but what the Spanish tourist office fail to mention is that more than 150 people a day are mugged in broad daylight in its busy streets, losing their jewellery, handbags, passports and money.
My wife and I were two of the unlucky ones. Since then we've heard numerous stories of how people, including the elderly, are dragged into side streets and have their belongings taken.
The criminals are mainly Moroccans, often working in pairs or groups and, as in the UK, other members of the public offer no assistance to the unfortunate victims.
I speak some Spanish and the police told me that this level of crime is one of the risks of visiting the city. There's very little they can do to stop it.
People visiting Barcelona should avoid wearing jewellery in the street, carry as little money as possible and keep it concealed. There are so many stolen credit cards in circulation there that, in most shops, you have to produce your passport to make a purchase.

(this letter was written by Tony Shaw, Holme, Lancs, to a travel magazine)

To get an instant quote for cover on your next holiday, ensuring that you can claim on any stolen possessions, see this page.
Floyds Direct on 16.05.05 @ 11:18 AM GMT [link]


Friday, May 13th

Holiday Protection Schemes Explained


Most holidaymakers tend to gloss over issues such as holiday protection schemes, understandably preferring to focus on the more exciting details about where they are going and when.

Such an approach, however, could prove costly - particularly if care has not been taken to ensure that a holiday is covered in the event of the operator experiencing financial difficulty.

Now a new leaflet from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) attempts to clear the fog surrounding holiday protection schemes, and set out exactly what holidaymakers have to do to ensure their holiday is safe.

Holidays booked through ABTA members are protected by a bond, so if your holiday company goes bust then you will either be able to carry on as normal if already on holiday, or be given a refund or offered alternatives if your holiday has not yet begun.

To ensure you benefit from this protection, ABTA is advising holidaymakers to collect and keep all receipts for holidays and flights; always get a confirmation in writing; and ensure you have original documents - don't accept copies.

"Booking with ABTA companies gives customers confidence that their money is safe, but the holiday industry continues to change at a rapid pace and this has resulted in an increasing number of holiday products on the market that are not financially protected," said ABTA chief executive Ian Reynolds.

To help address the number of non-financially protected products, ABTA is also launching a new insurance policy that will cover travellers for holiday products not protected by existing financial protection schemes.

The ABTA Protection Plan will cover against the failure of individual holiday components, including car hire, accommodation, and flights.

These elements are currently only covered by protection schemes such as the ABTA bond if bought as part of a package.

The new policy will be available through ABTA members, who will be required to offer it to holidaymakers if they are selling products not already protected by a scheme.

Mr Reynolds added: "We have been lobbying the Government for years to plug the gaps in financial protection and we have got fed up of waiting. This policy is an excellent stop-gap and will give ABTA members a leading edge in the market."

(this article was taken from travelbite.co.uk)
Floyds Direct on 13.05.05 @ 10:01 AM GMT [link]


Thursday, May 12th

Delaying Travel Insurance Puts Holidays at Risk


Holidaymakers are putting expensive holidays at unnecessary risk by delaying getting travel insurance until the last minute.

Research by Saga Travel Insurance shows that four in ten holidaymakers delay taking out travel insurance until the month before their departure.

This leaves holidaymakers at risk of losing their money should they need to cancel their trip in between paying for their holiday and obtaining travel insurance.

Failing to obtain travel insurance until the last minute can also lead to decisions being rushed over the most suitable policy, Saga warns.

Most travel insurance policies provide cover should a holiday need to be cancelled or curtailed due to death, illness or injury to the persons insured, and will typically pay compensation from anywhere between £1,000 and £5,000 depending on the policy.

Some policies also cover circumstances such a jury service summons and accidental damage making the insured's home uninhabitable.

Meanwhile, customers of Whitely Insurance Consultants - trading as Kingfisher Travel Insurance and Kingfisher Insurance Services - are being warned that they may no longer be covered after liquidators moved in.

According to the Financial Services Authority, Whiteley was putting customers at risk by selling insurance policies not underwritten by an authorised insurer.

Liquidators Pricewaterhouse Coopers have set up a helpline for policyholders on 08705 234 803.

(this article was taken from travelbite.co.uk)
Floyds Direct on 12.05.05 @ 10:25 AM GMT [link]


Wednesday, May 11th

Agents' Insurance Crisis


Agents could be forced to pay "up to £50,000" for replacement insurance policies for clients following the collapse of broker Whiteley Insurance Consultants. Some, such as Knock Travel in Northern Ireland, are choosing to foot the bill after confusions arose over whether a compensation sceme run by the Financial Servies Authortiy would provide cover.

When an insurance firm goes bust, customers are usually protected either by the underwriters, who honour the contract, or by the FSA, through its Financial Services Compensation Scheme. But because agents are exempt from FSA regulation it remains unclear whether customers would be covered by the scheme.

Abta head of financial services Mike Monk described it as a "bitter irony" that agents, who were not being regulated, were being held responsible for the collapse of an FSA-regulated company. Thousands of customers were left with "worthless" policies after Whiteley, which also traded as Kingfisher Travel Insurance Services, went into provisional liquidation last week. Although the situation is still being assessed, the advice as TTG went to press was that the FSA's compensation scheme would not offer protection if underwriters did not pay up.

Knock travel owner Doreen McKenzie, who is also treasurer of the Consort Travel Group, which used Whiteley as a preferred provider, said: "Every day of indecision is costing us our reputation. Financially, some companies could lose up to £50,000."

Journeys Travel Insurance managing director Partick Chong said: "It concerns me that the FSA has allowed ths, considering the main reason for regulation is to protect the consumer."

He added that Abta should have ensured members explained the lack of protection when they sold policies.

(this article was taken from the Travel Trade Gazette and was written by Simon Crawshaw)
Floyds Direct on 11.05.05 @ 09:42 AM GMT [link]


Tuesday, May 10th

Goverment Advice for Travel to America


There have been some recent changes to the travel advice for those taking trips to America, see below for some small amendments based on recent events. We can offer comprehensive insurance for such a trip, to ensure your peace of mind and safety.

ADVICE FOR TRAVEL TO AMERICA

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Terrorism section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

SUMMARY

-Early on the morning of 5 May, two small explosions occurred close to the building which houses the British Consulate-General in New York. They caused minor damage but no casualties. The Consulate-General is open for business, but there will be heightened security around the building in the short term. Visitors to the Consulate-General may therefore be required to show photo ID.

-The US Government remains concerned about continued threats. Since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the US Government has issued a number of warnings of potential further terrorist attacks in the US. The US domestic threat level stands at "elevated" (yellow).

-You should expect stringent security checks at airports and public buildings.

-You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities.

-The US is a hugely popular destination for British travellers and most visits are trouble-free.

-The Mount St Helen’s Volcano remains active. Some surrounding areas are closed to the public. If you are in the northwest of the US and plan to travel close to the area, listen to local news reports and follow local advice. For further information, visit the US Geological Service website: www.usgs.gov.

-We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Floyds Direct on 10.05.05 @ 09:49 AM GMT [link]


Monday, May 9th

Rival Squares up to Easyjet


Rival Squares up to Easyjet

Easyjet is facing price competition on two busy Anglo-Scottish routes from Stansted.
Next month Scottish budget carrier Globespan will launch twice daily services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Essex airport. Flights from Edinburgh start on June 1 with services from Glasgow following on June 2.

Timings are attractive for business travellers and are especially aimed at Scottish passengers. Services from Edinburgh depart at 0700 and 1715 returning from Stansted at 0855 and 1900. Globespan's new flights will leave Glasgow at 0730 and 1730 and head back from Stansted at 0930 and 1915.
Besides carrying passengers to and from London, Globespan's service is also aimed at the growing number of travellers who are changing planes at Stansted for destinations further afield.

Fares with both carriers start at around £40 return, although the price you actually pay will depend on when you book and when you travel. Globespan allows flight changes for a £15 fee (plus the higher fare, if applicable) and snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board. Go to www.flyglobespan.com.

For an instant travel insurance quote for a short flight within the UK, or a longer more exotic holiday, visit this page and take a few seconds to input your requirements.

Floyds Direct on 09.05.05 @ 12:58 PM GMT [link]


Friday, May 6th

Insurance Chill Leaves Travellers in the Cold


Insurance Chill Leaves Travellers in the Cold by Rosanna Spero

Tens of thousands of travellers have been left without cover after insurance intermediary Whiteley Insurance Consultants was forced into liquidation by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)

The firm, which also traded as Kingfisher Travel Insurance and Kingfisher Insurance Services, is the first to be forced to close its doors after the FSA took over the regulation of the general insurance in January this year.
The firm was selling policies without having them properly underwritten, so customers often had no insurance. The liquidator Pricewaterhouse-Coopers is in talks with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to see if people can get any outstanding claims paid or their premiums refunded should it find the firm is insolvent.

If the FSCS can step in, it will apply only to policies bought after January 14th, when the FSA took over regulation of general insurance. And it is unclear whether policies bought via a travel agent - which are exemp from FSA regulation - will be covered at all.

According to Pricewaterhouse-Coopers, not all travel policies sold by Whiteley or Kingfisher are worthless. Royal Liver has said it will pay all claims and people with plans underwritten by Travel and Personal Underwriters, Gouda International and ACE European Group are covered until May 6th.

However, people with policies which claim the underwriting is by 'a panel of insurers' or ARISA Assurances SA need to buy alternative cover. The name of the underwriter is printed at the top of the policy and policyholders with MMA Insurance and Union Reiseversicherung AG should contact the firm directly or phone the helpline on 08705 234 803. Airline failure policyholders with plans referring to IGI Insurance Company or Compass Underwriting also need to contact the helpline.

If the travel insurance was bought using a credit card and cost more than £100, policyholders should make a claim under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act wich makes the car company jointly liable with the retailer if a good or service is below standard or not delivered.

You can claim the cost of the premiums but not any outstanding claim.

(this article was taken from the DailyMail and the author can be reached by email at r.spero@dailymail.co.uk)
Floyds Direct on 06.05.05 @ 11:30 AM GMT [link]


Thursday, May 5th

Sri Lanka Arrivals Still Down by 26%


Sri Lanka Arrivals Still Down by 26%

Sri Lanka's UK visitor numbers are still well down, despite a two-for-one offer from operators. Tourism minister Aruna Bandaranaike admitted then industry was still truggling following the tsunami.

Despite the promotion, he said the UK visitor figure fell by 26% in March to just under 8,000 compared with the same month last year. The UK is Sri Lanka's second-biggest market, headed only by neighbouring India. Bandaranaike admitted: "British tourists are coming back very slowly."

He said hotels partially damaged by the tsunami are now repaired, but that the worst-hit areas, mainly on the east coast, would take some time to fully restore. Other areas such as the inland tea plantations and ancient monuments were still attracting tourists, he said.

Columbo, the capital, is said to be faring slightly better. "Columbo hotels are full. We need 4,000-5,000 extra rooms," Bandaranaike said. Hyatt and Sheraton plan to open properties in Colombo in the next two years, while Hilton is planning on at Arugam Bay on the east coast.

(This article was taken from the BusinessTravel magazine)
Floyds Direct on 05.05.05 @ 02:52 PM GMT [link]


Wednesday, May 4th

Can I Sit Next to Kermit?


Frog leaps into list of business travellers' preferred companions...

Never mind Kylie or Brad, business travel executives say Kermit the Frog would make one of the best travel companions, writes Simon Crawshaw.

That's the conclusion of a survey by CA Magazine, the journal for the Insitute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (Icas). But Kermit was not top of the list of preferred travelling companions, according to the 16,000 Icas members surveyed that honour went to - no one.

Alan Coles, chairman of the Guild of Travel Management Companies air working party and managing director of P&O Travel, was not surprised by the result.

He said: "It makes sense that executives don't want a travelling companion. They want their travel experience to be as little hassle as possible. If no-one's sitting next to them they can catch up on sleep or get some work done."

Coles was surprised by Kermit's popularity, although he thought it was probably because the comical frog wouldn't take up much space. And as he pointed out, Kermit would be preferable to Miss Piggy.

The survey found that many business travellers were critical of inflight service standards. Participants complained of arrogant staff and unreliability. They also said flight pricing was a rip-off. The airlines criticised included Ryanair, Virgin, easyJet and British Airways.

Robert Outram, the editor of CA Magazine, said business travellers were still unhappy with the level of service - or lack of it - despite the improvements made by the industry. "Travel agents and airlines must work closer to improve conditions for business travellers," he said.

(This article was taken from the TravelGazette)


Floyds Direct on 04.05.05 @ 10:33 AM GMT [link]


Tuesday, May 3rd

Web Pricing is 'Illegal'


Web Pricing is 'Illegal' by Simon Crawshaw

Trading standards officers believe operators are breaking the law by copying no-frills airlines in not including mandatory payments in online headline prices. A co-operative Travel Trading Group report said the practice by some operators - including First Choice and Thomas Cook - of not including costs such as fuel surcharges and ticket-on-departure fees was misleadings customers.

Travel trading stanrdas office Bruce Treloar said the practice contravened the Consumer Protections Act and was therefore illegal - even though a crown court ruled in favour of Ryanair over a similar complaint. As a result of that case, Ryanair can continue to promote basic fares as long as it includes the words "plus extras".

Treloar said: "A decision in one case doesn't change the Act. Headline prices should include all non-optional extra charges - simple as that." Mike Greenacre, CTTG chief operating officer, said Abta should lobby for industry-wide transparency. "The ruling for no-frills carriers means operators have had to react to be competitive," he said. "Abta should back the inclusion of mandatory prices in headline prices. This is about consumers not being conned."

But an Abta spokesman said it would not clamp down without clarification from the Office of Fair Trading. A First-Choice spokeswoman said: "Our ideal would be to include all mandatory charges, but due to technical restriants, this is not possible. We are looking to resolve this in a bid to become as transparent as possible."

(This article was taken from the Travel Trade Gazette)
Floyds Direct on 03.05.05 @ 10:18 AM GMT [link]




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