According to Publituris, Airlines for Europe (A4E), on 30 November, decided to appeal to European Union policymakers to ensure a balanced result of the review of the Organised Travel Directive, which does not disrupt tourism in Europe.
In a statement, the association representing several European airlines states that the review of the Organised Travel Directive (PTD) should produce “a balanced legislative act”, following the European Commission's proposal, published on 29 November, and that “ introduces far-reaching changes that will have implications for all providers in Europe”.
“Packaged holidays have a high value, are the safest of all forms of travel and offer the best consumer protection. The main focus should be on ensuring that European package holiday providers remain competitive. Any excessive regulation of package holidays will not improve consumer protection, but will result in higher costs for consumers”, considers A4E.
If the result is not balanced, the association believes that tourists will start to prefer “cheaper forms of travel that do not offer nearly the same protections as organised trips”.
A4E recalls that, with the proposed changes, the first payments made by travelers to package holiday providers will be regulated at the European Union level and limited to 25% of the total package price, unless there is a justification for a higher amount.
For the association, “this new rule, together with other provisions, will make the business management of package travel suppliers more difficult and costly and risks having a negative impact on the entire tourism value chain, including airlines ”
An airplane uses 25,000 liters of kerosene per flight. They are the largest source of CO2 emissions in Europe.
By Pete from Algarve on 05 Dec 2023, 10:58
The "packaged holiday" providers, ruled mainly by a few conglomerate corporations, have been abusing destinations (by bullying them into lower rates), while forcing "all inclusive rates" for breakfasts, dinners and tours, denying other local restaurants and service providers tourism spending outside of their grasp.
They have been doing it since the 70's, but if you think this is bad in Europe, look at what happened in Thailand and other destinations to understand the financial power they have.
Now that they are being somewhat held to account on behalf of consumers, they are crying about it.
By Tony Williams from Other on 05 Dec 2023, 12:07