ABTA warning over World Cup tickets
England football fans are being warned about buying World Cup tickets through unofficial channels in advance of the tournament in Germany.
The association says supporters are guaranteed to get what they booked if they use one of the four UK-based ABTA members who have been appointed official third party agents for hospitality packages.
These are: ATP International (ABTA no.13481) www.atpsportsevents.com; Mike Burton Sports Travel, (ABTA no. D0596) www.mikeburton.com; Sportsworld, (ABTA no. V3648) www.sportsworld-group.com; and Thomas Cook Sport, (ABTA no. J8601) www.thomascooksport.com.
Demand for tickets and travel to Germany before and during the tournament will be high as the history between England and Germany is renowned and venues relatively easy to get to.
With 100,000 Brits expected to head to the tournament, flight and room prices will be accordingly high.
But packages do not come cheap, although customers can choose from a number of options.
Firstly there is a ‘Follow your Team’ package, which starts at euros 5,000. This comes in a three, five or seven match package, which will either take fans through the group games, the quarter-finals or right through to the final.
If England gets knocked out, supporters can switch to follow the team that beat them.
A venue-based package is another option, allowing travellers to see between three to six matches at one stadium only.
Then there is a single match package at whatever venue. But groups for this type of booking are limited, ABTA said.
Supporters are advised to book early and to consider all travel options. For example, fans could use alternative transport – including driving and using the trains and ferries, while accommodation could be found in towns near the football venues as Germany has one of the best public transport network in Europe.
ABTA head of corporate affairs Keith Betton said: “The only way football fans can be 100% sure that they will get the tickets they pay for is if they book tickets through the official FIFA or FA channels, or by buying a hospitality package with an official third party agent. Booking through brokers can be hazardous as FIFA can injunct these companies, prevent them from selling on the tickets and this can result in disappointment.”
ABTA also reminded fans to make sure they have the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 (which entitles holders to free emergency medical treatment) as well as comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
England’s group games will be held in Frankfurt, Nuremburg and Cologne.
Phil Davies
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