After a year of intense and in-depth discussions, the COREPER adopted a balanced approach on the update of the Package Travel Directive proposed by the European Commission. This text is providing a valuable input to the work of the European Parliament, which will start in the coming weeks.
Brussels, 12 December 2024. The European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association (ECTAA) acknowledges the adoption today of the Council's common approach on the revision of the Package Travel Directive (PTD). ECTAA welcomes the balanced measures introduced, particularly the removal of provisions limiting prepayment requirements and the clarification of the definitions for package travel and linked travel arrangements (LTA). These changes represent a step forward in creating a fair and predictable regulatory environment for the travel sector.
However, ECTAA remains deeply concerned about certain elements of the revised Directive, which risk imposing excessive burdens on the travel industry. Firstly, the inclusion of personal and subjective reasons in cases of package cancellations which could allow the termination of contracts without penalty and needs to be further clarified. Secondly, the extension of insolvency protection to cover refunds will likely create significant administrative and financial challenges for travel operators.
In addition, while ECTAA supports the incorporation of voucher rules, the organisation calls for caution as these changes may fall short of preventing the significant disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the travel agents and tour operators urge policymakers to include provisions for true crisis measures that can safeguard both consumers and businesses during extraordinary circumstances.
Commenting on today’s adoption, ECTAA President Frank Oostdam said “We welcome the Council’s decision to remove measures limiting prepayment requirements, as this ensures the necessary flexibility for businesses to manage their operations effectively. While the text strikes a balance in some areas, certain provisions risk imposing additional burdens on the sector, which is still in recovery mode. We urge the European Parliament to carefully review these aspects and work toward a Directive that supports both consumers and businesses."
ECTAA remains dedicated to collaborating with the European Parliament to enhance the Package Travel Directive, ensuring it provides a sustainable and resilient framework for Europe’s travel and tourism sector.
