Phoney travel licence alert

MUSLIM pilgrims from Oldham have been urged to make sure they are protected if there are problems during this year’s Hajj and Umrah pilgrimmages.

Council officers found three out of seven local travel agents displayed a fake ATOL licence - meaning customers would have no protection or refund if the travel company involved failed.

Many Oldham muslims join what is for some a once in a lifetime pilgrimmages to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or to Mecca and Medina for Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.

If an operator is ATOL protected then a travellers’ interests are guaranteed if the business ceases trading.

Other concerns raised included essential information, such as flight itineraries, and the hotel details and contact details of the company’s representatives at the destination, were not being given out in writing and prior to departure.

Some agents also appeared unaware of their obligation to inform travellers of health requirements for entry to Saudi Arabia, such as meningitis vaccinations.

The businesses concenred have been told they will be formally investigated if they continue trade in its present form.