NSW: Travellers warned to make Xmas bookings with licensed agent

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2006
NSW: Travellers warned to make Xmas bookings with licensed agent

EDS: Embargoed until 0001 (AEDT) Wednesday, December 13



SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP - Travellers making last minute bookings for the holiday period
are being warned to go through licensed travel agents or carriers.

NSW Fair Trading Minister Diane Beamer said many unlicensed operators take advantage
at this time of year because flights are sold out and accommodation is fully booked.

Ms Beamer said consumers should be especially careful when making travel arrangements
online, with many "shonky" operators using the internet to do their business.

"If problems do arise, consumers can take their complaint to fair trading," she said.

"But if an operator isn't licensed there is little chance of a successful outcome."

The Department of Fair Trading has received almost 1,000 travel or tourism related
complaints in the last 12 months, an increase of up to 20 per cent on the previous year.

AAP nr/nf

KEYWORD: XMAS AGENTS (EMBARGOED)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.