If you’ve ever booked a holiday, you know there are often ‘extra charges’ you were not fully aware of when you booked your holiday, like local tourist taxes, city levies, or hotel resort fees. Some destinations, like the US, are notorious for these “hidden” extras, and they can quickly add up.
To make pricing clearer for travellers, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced new rules requiring all unavoidable in-country fees to be included in the advertised price. The goal is to ensure holidaymakers aren’t misled and that operators disclose the full cost upfront.
Here’s the thing: this rule wasn’t brought in for us. We’ve always been diligent about showing clients every fee, so they know exactly what to expect on arrival. We list each local charge alongside the holiday price and include notes on potential exchange rate or tax fluctuations, which is especially important for trips booked 12–18 months in advance.
The CMA’s guidance is really about those operators who cloud the full cost to make a holiday look cheaper than it actually is. That’s not us, and it never has been.
So, what does this mean for you as a traveller?
- You’ll see the holiday price and all local fees clearly listed.
- You’ll know what’s payable at booking and what’s due on arrival.
- You’ll have context on potential changes due to exchange rates or local tax adjustments.
In short, the CMA is finally telling everyone else to catch up. We’ve been doing it right all along, and your holiday will always reflect exactly what you’re paying!
If you’re ready to book a holiday with clear, upfront pricing and the added support of experienced travel experts, call us on 01902 288104, message us, or book a holiday planning meeting. Need a second opinion or travel information? We also offer free travel advice. We’re here to help.