09 April 2009

Travel companies told to prepare for onslaught of compensation claims

Holiday firms are being warned to expect an onslaught of compensation claims from disgruntled clients as the credit crunch takes hold.

Specialist holiday law practice, Travlaw, says it is now handling a record volume of claims - both consumer and commercial - on behalf of travel businesses.

Managing partner Stephen Mason explained: "There is a huge need for legal services in a tough economic climate, and for holiday firms adequately to protect themselves against an onslaught of claims and redundancy issues whilst also reducing expenditure - a difficult combination for any business to manage."

Previously known as Stephen Mason Solicitors, the Leeds-based holiday law company has rebranded as Travlaw to reflect the expansion of the firm.

The practice now has six lawyers specialising in holiday litigation, including practice founder Mason.

"Historically economic downturns lead to a greater number of cases against a business; consumers fight to receive compensation or refunds while corporate cases also increase as suppliers fight for contract release, outstanding payments or to relinquish responsibility.

"Unfortunately, an economic downturn also leads to businesses making widespread redundancies which also require legal expertise and proper management."

By Bev Fearis

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Your Comments (4)

Some truth there

We have certainly seen more clients seeking a post holiday discount this winter.

By Xavier Schouller, Sunday, April 12, 2009
More NTO's need to be doing this!

It's encouraging to see that our very own Visit Britain are proactively working with the airlines in this way. So many NTO's have incredibly high visitor number targets and seem not to consider that they do not have the air capacity to deliver these passengers at present. India wants 5million new international tourists by 2010 This is the equivalent of 13,700 new daily tourists, or 40 new 747 flights/day. Singapore is projecting 17 million tourists by 2015 (up from 11 million) -This equates to 16,500 new tourists/day, or 120 new daily A320 flights. China expects visitor growth to expand by 7% annually. -This equates to 9,400 new visitors per day next year, or 62 new daily A320 flights All of these targets to be delivered whilst 11% of the world's air fleet is parked in the desert somewhere! NTO's need to be striking up relationships with the airlines directly either with (preferably) or without their airport authorities.

By Gary Aizen, Thursday, April 9, 2009
He is so not camping it's a laugh

This company likes to recruit waifs and strays as chairmen and can you see this person on a camp site in Italy. I think not. So he will bring little to the table in improving the running of any of their operations.

By Steve Vyse, Thursday, April 9, 2009
Being on the side of the motorway hardly constitutes being in the countryside

Polling Travelodge guests as to what the countryside is like is a bit like asking a vegetarian what his favourite cut of beef is! Full marks to the University who took easy money off Travelodge!

By Nick Cooper, Thursday, April 9, 2009