Tourism Industry Urges EU to Reconsider Changes to Package Travel Directive

Travel and tourism services providers in the European Union are raising concerns over proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive (PTD), arguing that the changes could have negative impacts on both travelers and the tourism sector as a whole.

In a joint statement issued by industry associations, including CLIA, HOTREC, ETOA, and ECTAA, stakeholders are calling on the European Parliament and Council to reconsider the revised directive. They believe that the new regulations may disrupt the delicate balance of the European tourism ecosystem and harm travelers rather than benefit them.

The key areas of concern identified by the associations include the revised definition of “package”, which they claim could lead to confusion among organizers, service providers, and consumers. The expanded definition suggests that separate travel services purchased within a certain timeframe could be considered a package, resulting in higher costs, less flexibility, and increased online tracking for consumers.

Additionally, the proposal limits pre-payments for travel packages to no more than 25 percent of the total price, which industry stakeholders argue could put additional pressure on organizers and hinder the viability of many businesses.

While acknowledging the need to revise the PTD in response to challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry bodies are urging for a reevaluation of the proposed amendments to ensure they support the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. They are calling for engagement with all tourist stakeholders to discuss viable solutions that protect and promote the competitiveness and viability of the industry.