Straight answer

What does ATOL protected actually mean?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser's Licence, a scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority. If the company that organised your flight-inclusive holiday fails, the scheme makes sure you are not left out of pocket: if you have not travelled yet you get your money back, and if you are already abroad you are brought home. We hold our own licence, ATOL 12956. It is the single most important thing to check before you pay anyone for a holiday that includes a flight.