ABTA is warning agents and operators that holidays sold to customers based in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man aren’t ATOL protected.

The trade body said it has recently received clarification that its ATOL protection scheme only covers residents of the UK.

The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, including Guernsey and Jersey, are not part of the UK. Rather, the islands are self-governing Crown Dependencies.

ABTA recently circulated a notice to members after the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that ATOL regulations don’t apply to holidays sold to customers in the islands, including those holidays where customers travel to the UK and depart on a flight from the UK.

It is advising agents and tour operators to seek specific advice from the CAA on their position if they sell to customers in the Channel Islands.

It told Travel Gossip it was aware the matter was causing ‘concern and frustration’ for members, but it added: “As this relates to ATOL rules and regulations we’re not in a position to give specific advice to individual members on this particular matter.” 

Travel Gossip has asked the CAA for a comment.

Premier Holidays, which sells trips from the UK to the Channel Islands, pointed out these holidays are ATOL-protected. In a statement it said: “It’s important to clarify that ABTA’s warning specifically pertains to sales originating from the islands, not to travel directed towards the Islands themselves.

“Premier Holidays assures both agents and customers that our ATOL coverage encompasses all trips (by air) to the Channel Islands, ensuring a sense of security and confidence for travellers.”