Advantage becomes ATOL accredited body

The Advantage Travel Group has become an ATOL accredited body, but only for the 12 members of its managed services arm AMS.

The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed Advantage was the latest travel organizer to meet the necessary criteria for accredited body status.

Under the latest ATOL reforms, members of accredited bodies can sell ATOL-protect holidays without having their own licence.

CAA head of ATOL Andy Cohen said: "Accredited bodies act as another method for travel organisers to ensure the holidays they sell are covered by the ATOL scheme, protecting consumers and benefiting firms, so I would like to thank Advantage for their close cooperation during this process."

Advantage CEO John McEwan said: "We are delighted to have gained accredited body status as an ATOL capability completes the offering of our managed services arm AMS; it will enable current and potential members to thrive in the modern travel agent environment.

"AMS has been a great success since its inception in 2009 and the development of an ATOL capability will ensure that its offering continues to be at the forefront of the managed service arena."

Wednesday, July 18, 2012