EU Council approves revised Package Travel Directive
Publication of the consolidated directive in the Official Journal of the EU – triggering a 20-day period until its entry into force – is expected within the next two months
Following the conclusion of negotiations in December last year on amendments to the Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements, the consolidated text of the revisions was submitted for adoption to the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and the Council of the European Union. The European Parliament adopted the amendments on 12 March, and the Council of the EU confirmed them at its session on 30 March. This marks the conclusion of an important legislative process that has resulted in a clearer and more functional framework for the provision of organised travel in Europe, according to the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA).
The revision introduces a number of useful clarifications and improvements, including a simplified definition of package travel and the removal of linked travel arrangements—a concept that lacked clear benefits for both travellers and organisers. ECTAA particularly welcomes the withdrawal of some of the most problematic proposals considered during the revision process, such as limitations on advance payments and an overly broad “three-hour package” rule.
“While the revised directive provides a clearer and more proportionate legislative framework, which is good news for both travel organisers and travellers, it does not go far enough in addressing real crisis situations,” stated Eric Drésin, Secretary General of ECTAA. “The European Commission initially aimed to draw lessons from disruptions that affected the resilience of the tourism sector, with a strengthened legal framework. Unfortunately, this ambition has only been partially achieved.”
The consolidated text of the revision is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within the next two months, from which point a 20-day period will begin before its entry into force. From that date, Member States will have 28 months to implement and transpose the directive into national legislation.
The full ECTAA statement is available here.
Source: ECTAA / UHPA
