Holiday Money Protected
At Arabian Cities and Sands, my mission is straight forward: to remove the stress from travel planning so you can focus on the fun, the adventure, and the memories.
But in today’s unpredictable world, many travellers ask the same important question:
💭 “Is my holiday money protected?”
It’s a genuine concern—and one I take seriously. You may have heard of ABTA, or ATOL if you’ve booked a flight-inclusive holiday before. But there’s another name I want you to know:
👉 PTS – Protected Trust Services – and it’s what I’ve used for the past five years, including with my previous tour company, Xpedition Arabia.
So… what’s the difference? And why does it matter for your next holiday?
🔍 ABTA vs PTS: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple breakdown comparing the two schemes:
| Feature | ABTA | PTS (Protected Trust Services) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Protection | General financial protection | Trust-based financial protection |
| Who It’s For | Traditional package holidays (esp. non-flight) | All travel types: packages, bespoke, flight-inclusive |
| How It Works | Member companies must carry insurance | Client funds held in a secure, independent trust account |
| Compliance | Meets industry standards | Full compliance with UK Package Travel Regulations |
| Transparency | Some visibility | Complete transparency – funds are ringfenced until needed |
| Best For | Larger operators and package tours | Independent agents, tailor-made trips, family holidays, more |
✅ Key takeaway:
Both ABTA and PTS offer protection—but PTS provides an extra layer of financial security through its trust account model, giving you total peace of mind, whether you’re booking:
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A flight-inclusive holiday
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A custom self-drive adventure
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A family retreat in the Middle East
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Or absolutely any other type of travel experience with me
All bookings made through Arabian Cities and Sands are fully protected by PTS, via the Merlin Travel Group, ensuring your hard-earned money is safe until your holiday begins.
✈️What About ATOL?
Arabian Cities and Sands is an agent for ATOL holders. If your holiday includes flights from the UK, it will also be covered by the ATOL scheme, which is backed by the UK Government. This ensures that, in the unlikely event your airline or travel supplier ceases trading, you’ll be refunded or brought home safely.
🔐 ATOL and PTS work side by side, giving you layered protection and complete peace of mind.
🧭 Why I Chose PTS — and Merlin Travel Group
Having used Protected Trust Services (PTS) for my former company, Xpedition Arabia, which offered guided tours in Oman and the UAE, I saw first-hand just how robust and reliable their protection was.
So when I launched Arabian Cities and Sands, it was a natural step to join the Merlin Travel Group, who also operate under the PTS model. Their shared commitment to safeguarding clients’ funds perfectly aligned with my own values.
💡 Why PTS Works for You
I trust PTS because it delivers:
✔️ Greater security than traditional insurance-based models
✔️ Guaranteed compliance with UK Package Travel Regulations
✔️ Transparent trust accounts that keep your money fully ringfenced
✔️ Real-time peace of mind—your funds are safe until your holiday is delivered
Whether you’re booking a quick winter sun escape or an in-depth, tailor-made adventure, PTS gives me the necessary tools to protect your money—and you, the confidence to travel without worry.
💬 Got Questions?
I’m always happy to chat. If you’re unsure about financial protection, or just want help planning your next holiday to Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco—or beyond—let’s talk.📱 Or drop me a WhatsApp message at 07396 883786
Ready to Explore?
Adventure awaits! Plan your escape with Arabian Cities and Sands and uncover the hidden wonders of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether it’s ancient cities, pristine beaches, or epic desert drives, our carefully curated holidays deliver authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t wait—contact us today and start planning your unforgettable journey!
