It's only a few weeks before MPs depart for their summer holidays. The travel industry is hoping to convince MPs that protecting their constituents' holidays is an urgent issue.

While AITO members offer their customers 100% financial protection, many competitors - especially scheduled and no-frills airlines - don't. The rules are different for airlines but this is patently a nonsense. Consumers buying any holiday with flights and accommodation should be able to rely on the same protection.

AITO believes that a sensible solution would be a £1 or £2 customer levy per air-inclusive holiday. This would build up a fund to rescue British holidaymakers stranded overseas if required.

It would mean that those who travel by air would fund their own protection. Let's hope that, before starting their 11-week break, MPs spare a thought for everyone else's holidays. It's not often that a simple and cheap solution to a problem, which provides blanket consumer protection and levels the commercial playing field, can be found.

Meanwhile, book with an AITO specialist holiday company for 100% protection, whether you're travelling overseas by air or by surface transport. Ring 020 8744 9280 for AITO's free Travel with the Experts newsletter, or visit www.aito.co.uk.

l AITO - Association of Independent Tour Operators: 160 specialist tour operators, all fully bonded for 100% consumer financial protection.