Travel agents should be aware of new EU directive, taking effect as of July 1, that aims to achieve consumer protection for package travel and linked travel arrangements.
The goal of the new directive is to ensure additional legal protection for costumers purchasing non-traditional travel packages, particularly in view of the increasing activity of online travel agencies.
Under the new regulation travel operators preparing package deals for clients involving two or more travel arrangements will be responsible for all elements within the package including failure by suppliers to refund payment.
Also, consumers can cancel any trip in case of ”unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” and are entitled to a full refund.
In addition, a new concept, called linked travel arrangement, will also be introduced under the regulation. Agents will have to provide customers with a document ahead of sales, detailing the type of sale, customer’s rights and a link to regulations.
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