Lost holiday that never was

Michelle Kinch's £1600 holiday was never booked

When Michelle Kinch booked a holiday for her family last February she had every confidence that in August they would be enjoying a break in the sun.

The holiday was to Kos in Greece for Michelle, her husband and their fourteen year old son. It cost £1600.

Michelle: surprised and upset

In June though their dream was shattered, when they heard that the travel agent they had booked with had called in the receivers.

They were then told that the holiday had never been booked with a tour operator in the first place.

Unusual

The travel agent, Universal Travel Ltd based in Hornsey, north London, was a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

ABTA spokesman Keith Betton said they are extremely concerned by the way some bookings were taken: "It is unusual that you should book a holiday in February and find now that nothing has been booked.... clearly something needs to be investigated."

Money back

As Universal Travel Ltd were ABTA bonded, Michelle approached the association about getting her money back.

They, however, say it may not be them who has to reimburse disappointed customers and have advised Michelle to contact her credit card company.

Keith Betton, ABTA: extremely concerned

She paid the deposit for the holiday by credit card and the remainder in cash. Under the Consumer Credit Act she should be able to get the whole amount back from her credit card company even though she used her plastic for just £400.

At the moment Michelle's credit card company are only willing to pay the deposit and not the remaining £1200.

Hopeful

It's thought that between 2000 and 5000 people nationwide are in the same situation as Michelle, having booked their holidays with Universal Travel Ltd.

Michelle is hopeful that she can claim her money back off her credit card company and, if not, from ABTA. In the meantime she is refusing to be knocked back by the experience and has now booked a cheaper holiday for her family in Lanzorote.