Domestic operators warned of refund obligations
Domestic operators have been warned they must offer refunds if bookings have been impacted by the new rules on social gatherings.
And consumer watchdog Which? Travel said regulators must ‘come down strongly’ on those operators which refuse to do so.
The new rules, which restrict gatherings to six people or less, are likely to impact families and groups of friends planning a domestic getaway.
Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland predicted holidaymakers may question whether they are entitled to a refund in such circumstances.
"The government’s new ‘rule of six’ for social gatherings, while understandable as a measure to protect public health, will likely disrupt many holidays in England that have already been paid for, leaving people with questions over whether they will be able to get their money back," he said.
"Following the CMA’s intervention earlier this year on UK holiday accommodation cancellations and refunds, anyone with a booking that cannot go ahead as a result of lockdown laws should be entitled to a full refund.
"Holiday providers should refund any affected customers to prevent anyone being left out of pocket for obeying the law, and the regulator must be ready to come down strongly on any accommodation providers failing to do so."
Hoseasons told TravelMole it was contacting all affected customers, starting with those due to travel in the next three to four weeks, and offering a full cash refund, a voucher for future travel or the option to reduce their party size.
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