How Some DIY Umrah Businesses Sidestep UK Travel Protections — and How to Spot Them

"The allure of DIY Umrah packages is undeniable"

Flexibility, potential cost savings, and the freedom to tailor your journey. However, beneath the surface lies a complex web of affiliate marketing, fragmented services, and regulatory loopholes that can leave consumers unprotected. This blog delves into how certain DIY Umrah businesses structure their offerings to bypass the UK’s Package Travel Regulations (PTR) and the Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL) scheme, and provides guidance on how travellers can safeguard themselves.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

Package Travel Regulations (PTR): These regulations apply when a combination of travel services (such as flights, accommodation, and transfers) is sold as a package. Under PTR, travellers are entitled to specific protections, including clear pre-contract information and insolvency protection.

Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL): ATOL protects consumers who book flight-inclusive holidays and flights sold by UK travel businesses. If an ATOL-protected business fails, the scheme ensures that travellers are not stranded abroad and can receive a refund.

How Some Businesses Sidestep Compliance

• Selling Components Separately: By offering flights, hotels, and transfers as individual components rather than a package, businesses can avoid the obligations under PTR. This approach may leave consumers without the associated protections.
• Affiliate Marketing Influence: Affiliate marketers promote Umrah packages through various channels, earning commissions based on clicks or bookings made through their referral links. This performance-based model incentivises affiliates to drive traffic and conversions, often emphasising attractive pricing and convenience to capture consumer interest. However, their promotional strategies can sometimes overshadow essential compliance considerations, potentially leading consumers into arrangements that lack the protections afforded by PTR and ATOL.
• Marketplace or Agency Models: Platforms acting as intermediaries between customers and suppliers may disclaim responsibility for the services provided, fragmenting liability and reducing consumer protections.
• Linked Travel Arrangements (LTAs): By structuring offerings as LTAs rather than full packages, businesses may limit their obligations under PTR, potentially excluding insolvency protections.
• Opaque Terms and Conditions: Some providers bury ATOL or PTR information in lengthy terms and conditions, making it difficult for consumers to ascertain their level of protection.
• Outsourcing to Overseas Suppliers: Relying on overseas suppliers can complicate redress and oversight, especially if the UK-based seller is not the organiser of the trip.

How to Spot a Seller Avoiding PTR/ATOL

• ATOL Certificate: Ensure that the provider issues an ATOL certificate at the point of sale for flight-inclusive bookings.
• Single Supplier: Confirm that all components of your trip are provided by a single supplier or organiser.
• Clear Terms: Review the provider’s terms and conditions to ensure that ATOL and PTR protections are clearly stated.
• Company Registration: Verify the provider’s company registration and look for ABTA/ATOL membership badges.
• Contact Information: Ensure that the provider is UK-registered and contactable.

Protecting Yourself as a Consumer

• Do Your Research: Investigate the provider’s background, reviews, and regulatory affiliations.
• Ask Questions: Inquire about the package’s compliance with PTR and ATOL regulations.
• Seek Recommendations: Consult with trusted sources or communities for advice on reputable providers.
• Report Concerns: If you suspect non-compliance, report the provider to relevant authorities.

Conclusion

While DIY Umrah offers autonomy and potential savings, it’s vital to ensure that your arrangements comply with UK travel regulations to safeguard your investment and well-being. By verifying ATOL protection, understanding the components of your package, and being aware of affiliate marketing influences, you can embark on your pilgrimage with confidence.

For more information on ATOL protection and to verify licensed providers, visit the CAA’s ATOL page. Always prioritise safety and compliance when planning your Umrah journey.