The importance of the Package Travel Directive and how it positively impacts consumers
The Package Travel Directive is a European Union regulation designed to protect consumers booking package holidays. The directive aims to ensure that travellers are informed about their rights and receive adequate protection in case of issues such as cancellations, bankruptcies of service providers, or other travel disruptions.
CEO of the ITAA, Clare Dunne, said: “The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) emphasises integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the travel industry. Central to the ITAA’s ethos is the provision of exemplary customer service by its members. This dedication to high-quality customer service by ITAA members not only fosters trust and loyalty but also reinforces the association’s reputation for reliability and excellence in the travel sector.”
Organisers of package holidays are required to have insolvency protection to cover refunds in case of bankruptcy. This protection also extends to linked travel arrangements.
Overall, the Package Travel Directive is in place to balance consumer protection with the operational needs of travel businesses, fostering a safer and more reliable travel market in the EU.
ENDS
Note to editor on the Package Travel Directive
The Package Travel Directive is a European Union regulation designed to protect consumers booking package holidays. The directive aims to ensure that travellers are informed about their rights and receive adequate protection in case of issues such as cancellations, bankruptcies of service providers, or other travel disruptions. Organisers of package holidays are also required to have insolvency protection to cover refunds in case of bankruptcy. This protection also extends to linked travel arrangements. Overall, the Package Travel Directive seeks to balance consumer protection with the operational needs of travel businesses, fostering a safer and more reliable travel market in the EU.
A standard holiday package that includes flights plus accommodation is defined a package under the EU Package Travel Directive. To have a “package” there must be 2 elements included. Flight only bookings or Accommodation only bookings are not covered under the Package Travel Directive. Flight plus Accommodation is a “Package”.
An “Organiser” is defined as the company that puts the holiday package together.
Where an “Organiser” fails to provide the package as booked, the consumer has rights and protection under the Package Travel Directive.
The “Organiser” should not be sending the consumer off to deal with the airline or the accommodation provider if the consumer bought a “package” from the “Organiser”.
The EU Package Travel Directive applies to all holidays sold or originating in the EU irrespective of where the “Organiser” is based. So, if a holiday originates from the Republic of Ireland but the “Organiser” is based in the UK, the EU Package Travel Directive applies.
If a consumer is not getting satisfaction from the “Organiser” then the CCPC, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is the regulatory body responsible for the implementation of the Package Travel Directive.
At all times, the consumer can speak to their solicitor and or progress a claim under the Small Claims Court but the ceiling on claims is €2,000 via the Small Claims procedure.