When booking a holiday, many travellers look for signs of consumer protection - often recognising the ABTA logo as a symbol of financial security. While ABTA membership is widely trusted, at Navigoose, we're proud to be part of Protected Trust Services (PTS) - offering protection that’s every bit as robust, and in many cases, even more comprehensive.

PTS safeguards your holiday funds from the moment you book, ensuring peace of mind throughout your entire journey with us. With Navigoose, your money is secure and your experience is in safe hands.

PTS vs ABTA

Purpose and Scope

PTS provides a specific financial protection structure through a trust account system, safeguarding all consumer payments for any travel services, not just package holidays

ABTA Focuses broadly on supporting travel agents and tour operators, ensuing they meet high standards and offers financial protection specifically for package holidays.

Financial Protection

PTS protects all consumer payments by holding them in a trust account until the travel services are actually provided. This means every booking made through a PTS member is financially protected until the trip is completed.

ABTA offers financial protection for package holidays. If an ABTA registered travel company fails, consumers are covered for refunds and repatriation.

Consumer Confidence

PTS instils confidence primarily through the security of funds, ensuring that all services paid for are either delivered or refunded. 

ABTA gives consumers confidence through a well-established reputation and a commitment to high service standards and dispute resolution. 

PTS offers legal protection by ensuring its members comply with travel regulations and laws. This includes support with Package Travel Regulations compliance, which are crucial for companies packaging travel services. They provide legal advice and resources to help members navigate the complex landscape of travel law, effectively offering a layer of legal safety for both the business and its customers. 

While ABTA does offer some legal advice and resources to its members, its primary focus is not on providing comprehensive legal protection but rather on promoting high standards of quality and service, and on resolving disputes between consumers and members. ABTA helps members understand and comply with industry regulations, but it doesn't provide the same level of legal support infrastructure as PTS, which integrates legal compliance into its protection services. packaging travel services. They provide legal advice and resources to help members navigate the complex landscape of travel law, effectively offering a layer of legal safety for both the business and its customers. 

Membership

PTS membership is available to a wider range of travel businesses, including those that might not traditionally offer packages, such as bespoke travel planners. PTS focuses more on ensuring financial compliance and consumer fund security. 

ABTA membership is geared towards travel agencies and tour operators, promoting high standards and offering tools, training, and legal advice. 

Protected Trust Services (PTS)

Protected Trust Services (PTS) also offers a comprehensive approach to ensure consumer protection, primarily through its trust account model and additional insurance mechanisms. Here's how PTS enhances consumer protection beyond the basic financial safety of trust accounts.

Supplier Failure Insurance

PTS provides Supplier Failure Insurance which covers consumers in case a key supplier involved in the travel package, like a hotel or an airline, goes out of business before the service is rendered. This insurance ensures that consumers either receive a refund or a suitable alternative arrangement so their travel plans can proceed smoothly.

Travel Disruption Insurance

In addition to Supplier Failure Insurance, PTS can offer access to Travel Disruption Insurance, which covers additional costs that may arise due to unexpected changes in travel plans, such as cancellations, delays, or interruptions. This type of insurance is particularly beneficial in situations where external factors, such as weather or strikes, impact the travel arrangements. 

Comprehensive Liability Insurance

PTS ensures that its members have appropriate levels of liability insurance, which protects against claims made by clients for issues like injury or loss that occur during travel. This type of insurance is crucial for safeguarding both consumers and businesses in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Compliance with Package Travel Regulation

Although not an insurance product, PTS's strict compliance with Package Travel Regulations acts as a protective measure, ensuring that all travel packages offered by its members provide adequate consumer rights and protections as mandated by law.

This includes proper information disclosure, a high standard of service, and additional protections in cases of company failures.

Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL)

When booking flights or package holidays, ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a vital part of your travel protection. Run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ATOL guarantees that if your travel company ceases trading, you won’t be left stranded or out of pocket.

ATOL covers any trip that includes a flight - whether it’s a full package holiday or a flight bundled with extras like accommodation or car hire. If your provider goes out of business, you’ll receive a full refund before travel or be brought home safely at no extra cost if you’re already abroad.

Every ATOL-protected booking must include the official ATOL logo and come with a certificate detailing exactly what’s covered - giving you peace of mind before you even pack your bags.