SDLP Enterprise, Trade and Investment Spokesperson Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP MLA has said that there must be more stringent controls on tour and holiday operators following the demise of Goldtrail.

The South Belfast MP said: “It is essential that there are more regular checks on the financial status of travel companies so as to reduce the risk of holidaymakers being left stranded in foreign countries and losing vast sums of money.

“The collapse of Goldtrail has left many people in an awful predicament, with those who had paid for their holiday being left in the lurch while other customers have been marooned in unfamiliar places.

“This is not the first time that people from across the North have been left high and dry due to the collapse of a tour operator and it is now vital that lessons are learned and greater guarantees are put in place for unsuspecting customers.

“I am calling for a concerted effort between all relevant agencies to ensure that all avenues are explored to ensure that people are reimbursed and that tighter controls are emplaced to audit all tour operators so as to avoid a repeat of this disaster.”

ENDS

19.07.10