ABTA reminds travel agents that CMA ruling applies to all travel companies

The CMA's pricing guidance makes it clear that prices must include unavoidable taxes and fees payable on arrival or departure at hotels, ports or airports.

This applies to any business providing a price for travel arrangements to a consumer, including travel agents.

ABTA has made the CMA aware that in most cases agents will be selling a product with the price set by a tour operator or supplier. The CMA said it would take this into account but that agents must do all they can to make sure the prices they are advertising or providing are total prices, including everything.

Since the release of the CMA guidance, tour operators have been working hard to incorporate all taxes and fees into their prices. 

Paula Macfarlane, ABTA Senior Solicitor, commented:

“All travel companies should be aware of the CMA’s guidance. 

Although in relation to package holiday sales, the main responsibility will remain with tour operators to ensure that they are compliant, agents should also take steps to ensure that whatever they are offering to customers, the price includes unavoidable taxes and fees payable on arrival or departure at hotels, ports or airports.

The CMA guidance contains some examples that are relevant to travel agents such as how to include local taxes in an advert for accommodation only. ABTA members can also access ABTA’s guidance on this important issue on our website.”