These reports are case summaries of complaints which appeared to raise issues of substance in relation to the interpretation of the ITC Advertising Standards Code. Summary statistics of non-substantive complaints can be found in the full reports which are obtainable from the ITC.
TV Travel Shop
Complaint from: Staff monitoring
Background
In Bulletin 13, the ITC published an adjudication against TV Travel Shop for its unsubstantiated claim to offer holidays at the lowest prices available.
Issue
On 20 June, the ITC saw the following claim on the same channel:
'Don't miss out on our huge holiday savings. Take the plunge to call TV Travel Shop to book your holiday with all the major tour operators including Thomson, JMC, Airtours, Cosmos and First Choice. You'll get their biggest discounts plus a bit extra. Prices have taken a dive and TV Travel Shop's got hundreds of fantastic deals. Make the most of our lowest prices guaranteed. We cannot be beaten on price. For all the UK's major holiday companies. Don't miss out. Call TV Travel Shop today.'
The ITC considered this to be a lowest price claim. It therefore appeared to be a repeat of the breach of the Advertising Standards Code reported in Bulletin 13.
Assessment
TV Travel Shop apologised for the error. It had reviewed all its promotional material in light of the ITC's adjudication and had re-made much of it. Unfortunately, this particular promotion had not been identified as being one that should be erased. TV Travel Shop confirmed that it would not be broadcast again.
Conclusion
Breach of ITC Code Rule 5.2.3
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