The CAR completes the Autumn (2014) licensing renewals of travel agents and tour operators
The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) today, 3rd November 2014, has announced the completion of the Autumn 2014 licensing round for travel agents and tour operators offering travel from Ireland. A total of 116 travel agents and 46 tour operators were licensed in this round.
Of the licences granted 110 travel agents and 45 tour operators were renewals.
The Autumn 2014 licensing round saw a small reduction in the number of travel agents and tour operators (down 4 in total) from the same round in 2013.
However, the data submitted by applicants suggested a degree of confidence in the sector. Renewal applications submitted for travel agents indicated an average increase of 5% in turnover on last year. The projections by individual tour operators are also up slightly on last year, with renewing tour operators projecting an average increase of just over 3% for the coming 12 months.
Taken together with the Spring licensing round for travel agents, a total of 222 travel agents and 46 tour operators are licensed to operate in Ireland. Included in this figure are 13 newly licensed entities - 11 travel agents and 2 tour operators.
The following travel agent has not had its licence renewed:
Carrier Limited, No. 1 Lakeside, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 3GW - Licence Number TA0723
The CAR is continuing to engage with this firm and a licence may be issued in due course; if so, a notice will be placed on the CAR’s website.
The entity referred to above must refrain from taking any new bookings from 1st November 2014. Customers are advised that any bookings made with Carrier Limited while it remains unlicensed will not be covered by the bonding scheme.
The CAR regulates tour operators and travel agents. Bonds provided to CAR would be used for passenger repatriation in the event that a licence holder ceases trading when customers are stranded abroad or to provide refunds where travel contracts are not fulfilled before the due date of travel. Any bookings made with an unlicensed entity are not protected by the bonding schemes operated by CAR.
Lists of all currently licensed and expired/non-renewing licences now available:
- Licensed Travel Agents
- Licensed Tour Operators
- Travel Agents (Non-renewing & expired licences)
- Tour Operators (Non-renewing & expired licences)
| November 2014 | November 2013 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Agents | 116 | 117 | -1 |
| Tour Operators | 46 | 49 | -3 |
| Total | 162 | 166 | -4 |
Updated: Monday, 3rd November, 16:00
ENDS