Consumers yet to book their holidays should read the booking form carefully before signing any contract, the Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr William Fagan, has warned. A condition that all disputes must be referred to arbitration means that holidaymakers could find their legal costs exceed the money they may recoup from a tour operator.
Recently, Mr Fagan said, a consumer awarded £50 after arbitration had to pay nearly £800 in costs. Mr Fagan advised consumers to shop around to find convenient redress possibilities.