Advantage Travel Centres Responds to XL Leisure Group Collapse, Says Travel Agents Offer Best Holiday Protection

Following the news of the collapse of XL Leisure Group affecting 285,000 travellers Advantage Travel Centres, a consortium representing over 700 travel agents outlets around the UK, are strongly advising the travellers book with a travel agent.

(PRWEB) September 14, 2008 -- Following the news of the collapse of XL Leisure Group affecting 285,000 travellers Advantage Travel Centres, a consortium representing over 700 travel agents outlets around the UK, are strongly advising the travellers book with a travel agent.

John McEwan, chief executive, Advantage Travel Centres commented on the collapse: "This is yet again an example of how airlines and operators are really feeling the effects and pressures of rising costs and fuel charges and it pains me to say that XL Leisure Group will not be the last company to face problems.

"Advantage and its agent members around the country will do everything it can to help those customers that are stranded or are due to take holidays with XL Leisure Group.

"We cannot emphasise enough the message that if you are thinking of booking a holiday or flight the best advice especially with the current economic climate is to book with an agent who can help if anything goes wrong. Some people believe that booking direct saves time and money but should an airline or holiday company collapse there is no one to talk to. Advantage travel agents own their own businesses, are financially protected and unsurpassed knowledge and experience."

Travel agent Voyager Travel Direct, a member of Advantage, has reacted by contacting all clients and re-assuring them that their money is safe, as well as ensuring that alternative holiday arrangements are being made. A spokeswoman for Voyager Travel Direct stated, "Customers who booked flights direct on XL.com have no financial protection and stand to lose money. Booking with a reputable agent like Voyager Travel Direct ensures that in situations like this, the matter is handled professionally and swiftly with minimum stress and disruption to the holidaymaker."

For further information and comment from Voyager Travel Direct contact Verity Eyre or Marie Traill at Voyager Travel Direct on 0871 200 2201.

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