Travel firm Thomas Cook, whose key operations centre is in Bradford, today announced an initiative to protect customers’ money should a holiday company fail – whether or not it is covered by the travel industry’s scheme.

The company believes that consumers are being misled and disadvantaged by the Government only safeguarding certain holiday and airline companies through its Civil Aviation Authority Air Travel Organisers’ Licen-sing scheme (ATOL).

Through Thomas Cook’s initiative all holidays, flights and cruises booked through the firm will be protected and should the company the holidaymaker has booked with fail, Thomas Cook will refund the customers’ money within 24 hours, regardless of ATOL membership.