Shearings is offering agents an attractive holiday package proposition to make it easier for them to sell breaks during this period of uncertainty caused by the ash cloud.

As well as the protection of a package tour, the leading escorted tours operator is utilising its coach, rail and ferry transport network to offer customers an additional layer of protection, meaning an alternative will be offered if air travel is not available.

The package means customers can relax and enjoy their holiday without having to worry about being left stranded if flight restrictions are imposed before or during their holiday.

Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings said: “At the moment customers are looking for peace of mind when booking their break, as they don’t want the disappointment of cancelled flights and potentially missing out on their holiday.

“We’re in an almost unique position where we can give agents the assurance that customers will get to their destination and home again, no matter what is happening with the ash cloud.”

If a customer has booked onto a flight holiday and then an air restriction is imposed before their outbound journey, Shearings will offer to transfer them across to a coach or rail holiday. The customer can still return by air if the restrictions are lifted during their holiday.

Caroline added: “We’re essentially enabling agents to offer holidaymakers an extra safety net allowing them to enjoy their holiday without the worry of how or when they will get home. We can’t promise there will be no delays but we can promise we will get people home safely with no additional costs.”

Since the ash cloud arose, Shearings has already saved more than 850 customers from a disrupted holiday by offering them alternative modes of transport including coach, train and ferry.