Travel agents’ windows under scrutiny

A survey carried out by trading standards officers across Greater Manchester has found that holiday getaways advertised in travel agents’ windows are often too good to be true.

In a mystery shopping exercise carried out in 54 travel agents across the Greater Manchester region, officers found that many holidays advertised were not available at the prices stated or simply not available at all.

Officers posed as customers and asked to book over 139 hot deals that were advertised in travel agents’ windows. Problems were found in 16 of the agents visited and, out of the 139 holidays checked, 32 were not available, at least at the price advertised.

This means that there were problems at nearly 30% of travel agents and around 23% of the holidays advertised were not available. The price of some holidays actually would have cost the customer up to 50% more than the advertised price.

One holiday in a Rochdale travel agents advertised at £980 per person totalled £1474 after officers investigated it.

Locally, five travel agents; two in Rochdale, two in Middleton and one in Heywood came under scrutiny by Rochdale Borough Council’s trading standards officers. 14 holidays in total were checked and false advertising was found to be taking place in all the travel agents bar one in Middleton.

Andy Glover, Consumer Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council added: “We’re advising travel agents to check holiday availability at least once a day and remove any advertisements once it becomes known that the holiday is no longer available. The use of the term ‘subject to availability’ should not be relied upon as a safety net and is not an alternative to checking that the advertisements are correct.”

Advertising an incorrect price for a holiday and advertising holidays that are not available is an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 which, upon conviction, can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member for development, said: “Luring customers in to buy holidays in full knowledge that they’re not available at the prices advertised is dishonest and unlawful. Customers should not be deceived in this way and I hope our trading standards officers’ investigations push the message home to our local travel agents that they need to make sure their window advertisements are legitimate, else face the consequences.”

If you believe you have been misled by this type of advertising contact your local Trading Standards Service by phoning Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.