The Irish Travel Agents Association Urges Travellers to Book with Licensed Travel Agents

Booking with a licensed, bonded travel agent is the best choice for consumers

Dublin, 26 May 2022 The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) is encouraging summer travellers to book their holidays with bonded, Irish licensed travel agents, due to the numerous benefits offered to consumers throughout every stage of their holiday, most particularly consumer protection. A consumer sentiment survey published by KBC Bank earlier today recorded an increase in Irish consumers prioritizing a holiday break this year compared to previous years.

Speaking at the ITAA Annual General Meeting in Dublin earlier, Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA stated, “There is no doubt that Irish people are anxious to travel and go on holidays this year. While there is great enthusiasm, consumers still need to be cautious when booking a DIY holiday. It is in the consumers’ best interest to take advantage of all the benefits and protection that comes with booking through a travel agent.  Consumers who book with a bonded, Irish licensed travel agent are guaranteed protection under the European Package Travel Directive which is not guaranteed when booking ‘do-it-yourself’ holidays.”

He continued, “When booking with an ITAA member consumers are guaranteed to receive a high level of expert advice throughout every stage of their holiday. Irish travel agents offer a wide range of choice to consumers in terms of airlines, tour operators and suppliers, as well as being equipped to give expert advice to their customers regarding destinations, transport, accommodation and transfers.”

At the ITAA AGM, Paul Hackett, CEO of Click & Go, was re-elected President of the Irish Travel Agents Association. Other appointments to the ITAA board were Vice-President – Clare Dunne, Travel Broker and as Treasurer – Des Abbott, Abbott Travel. Board members elected were: Martin Skelly, Navan Travel; Peter Brazil, Limerick Travel; Val Metcalfe; Sara Zimmerman, Travel Department; Angela Walsh, FROSCH CTM; Emma McHugh, Atlantic Travel; and Alan Lynch, Travel Escapes.

Speaking at the AGM, Paul Hackett, President of the ITAA, said “The travel industry is a strong, resilient, professional group of mainly family and privately owned businesses in every county of the State and it is a privilege to work alongside the board and members of the Association. We have survived the Pandemic and are enjoying doing what we do best and what our customers want, which is to plan and arrange travel for business and pleasure. My advice to consumers making travel plans is to book with a member of the Irish Travel Agents Association where you are guaranteed great service, advice and value and total security.”

Pat Dawson CEO of the ITAA stated, “In the past few years, the travel industry and our member travel agents have faced many hardships due to COVID-19 and has shown incredible resiliency. I am thrilled that we can finally gather together again, in-person, at this years’ AGM. After 10 years of working with the Irish Travel Association, I am proud of that work that we have done and will continue to do to enhance and support the travel industry and I am looking forward to the coming year.”