Photo © Ronstik / Adobe Stock – Source: European Parliament
The European Parliament on September 11 adopted its negotiating position on updating the Package Travel Directive (PTD), aiming to bolster consumer protections for cancellations, refunds, and vouchers.
According to an announcement, the reform follows lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and high-profile travel agency bankruptcies, seeking to clarify travelers’ rights and ensure support in cases of tour operator insolvency or travel disruption.
Key measures include the right to refuse vouchers and request a refund within 14 days, vouchers valid for up to 12 months and transferable once, and full refunds when trips are cancelled due to unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances. MEPs also highlighted that official travel warnings issued up to 28 days before departure should guide cancellation decisions.
“We aim to strengthen consumer rights, which is one of the best ways we can serve our citizens,” MEP Alex Agius Saliba, author of the report, said.
MEP Alex Agius Saliba. Photo source: European Parliament
He added: “When it comes to travel packages, extraordinary situations can cause a lot of stress if you are unable to travel. We are making it clear that in such cases, the consumer can cancel the package and receive a full refund within 14 days, allowing them to book another holiday. Consumer protection on paper is nice, but enforcement will be key.”
Industry concerns over fragmentation
While the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) welcomes the update, it warns that some provisions could fragment the Single Market.
According to ECTAA, allowing Member States to set national rules on prepayments risks creating compliance burdens and undermining a level playing field for travel operators, particularly SMEs. ECTAA also raised concerns about the new 24-hour package definition, which may blur the line between packages and standalone services, potentially causing legal and pricing uncertainties for both businesses and consumers.
“Today’s vote is a step in the right direction, but we cannot afford half-measures,” ECTAA President Frank Oostdam said. “The trilogues are the moment to get it right: clear rules, true harmonisation, and protections that are both strong for travellers and workable for SMEs.”
Next steps: Trilogues to begin September 24
The European Parliament adopted its position with 535 votes in favor, 36 against, and 47 abstentions. Interinstitutional trilogue negotiations between the European Parliament, Council, and European Commission are scheduled to begin on September 24. Both sides aim to reach a balanced final text that strengthens traveller protections while addressing operational concerns raised by the industry.
ECTAA highlghts that harmonisation with existing passenger rights legislation remains essential, to ensure all travellers enjoy consistent protection across the EU. The upcoming trilogues will be crucial in reconciling consumer safeguards with practical implementation for travel businesses.
ECTAA represents the interests of 80,000 travel agents and tour operators in Europe, which provide consultancy and sell transport, accommodation, leisure and other tourism services as well as combined products to leisure and business customers.
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