17 October 2008

APT creates $10m security blanket

Amid industry-wide concerns and price increases caused by the credit crisis and currency exchange, Australian pioneering travel company APT is increasing its $5million protection plan to $10million and maintaining its brochured price guarantees.

With its $10 million trust account, the 81-year-old company can reimburse customers in the unlikely event of insolvency.

General Manager, Chris Hall said that APT was a reputable, stable company and even in difficult times it could be relied upon.

In a flyer titled APT Peace of Mind Guarantee, APT is advising agents all APT, Travelmarvel, Newmans Escorted Tours and Botanica World Discoveries prices are guaranteed once deposits are paid (excludes air and third party operators).

Another initiative is to decrease deposits for Europe and Canada/Alaska to $1,000 per person on the majority of departures.

APTÃ¢â¬â¢s cancellation cover allows APT passengers to cancel their holiday in full up to final payment date without any applicable cancellation charges or penalties (excludes airfares and third party operators).

Cancellation cover ($55* per person, non refundable) must be paid at the same time as the holiday deposit. This applies to new bookings only.

Mr Hall said the guarantees and Protection Plan provided consumers and travel agents a Ã¢â¬Ëœpeace of mindÃ¢â¬â¢ assurance that their money was safe and secure with APT at all times so they could make forward bookings with confidence.

A Repor tby The Mole