More than 40 travel agencies crashed in 2012 thanks to downturn and disasters

Arab spring, Thai floods and online bookings add to industry problemsThe economic downturn, natural disasters and the Arab spring have combined with surging internet bookings to force 41 UK travel agents into bankruptcy during 2011, research reveals.The woeful year for the sector has worsened the deficit for the compensation pot that protects holidaymakers when operators collapse. The Air Travel Trust (ATT) Fund is £42.3m in deficit, a 33% increase on last year.A partner at accountants Wilkins Kennedy, Anthony Cork, who conducted the study, said: "With Thomas Cook forced to go through a dramatic restructuring programme and a number of major tour operators, such as Holidays 4 UK and Dream Holidays, ceasing trading over the last year, the travel industry is clearly suffering."Lower real incomes as a result of higher inflation have greatly impacted consumers' discretionary spending. Rising unemployment is also causing many to worry about their job security, so they are holding off bookin