Holidaymakers urged to use Irish travel agencies after FTI insolvency

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has urged holidaymakers to book with an ITAA member, Irish-based travel agents, to avoid disruption caused by FTI Group insolvency.

FTI Group, one of Europe’s biggest tour companies, filed for insolvency on Monday.

The Munich-based business has recently been hit by a number of problems, including poor bookings.

One of its subsidiaries is YouTravel, which supplies accommodation to multiple travel agents in Ireland as well as online travel agents.

The ITAA says it strongly encourages holidaymakers to book with Irish travel agents who are registered and based in Ireland to protect consumer rights.

Irish-based, licensed and bonded travel agents offer financial protections under the European Package Travel Directive.

The ITAA says this ensures that consumers are protected at all times.

There are over 100 travel agent members and 70 partners that are ITAA members.

They cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Travel agents who are members of the ITAA have set up dedicated teams to address customer queries.

“Just because a company has an Irish phone number or a .ie website does not mean they are based in Ireland,” said Clare Dunne, CEO of the ITAA.