Enhanced regulations will better protect an extra 10 million UK
package holidays booked online, under proposals outlined today
(14 August 2017) by Consumer Minister .
The Consultation on the
Package Travel Regulations sets out the government’s
proposals for the introduction of new consumer rights around
package holidays.
Proposals outlined today include:
- an extension to current protections to cover the millions of
UK holidaymakers who buy package holidays online
- a requirement for better information to be provided to
travellers at the point of booking, making it clear what their
rights to refund are
- ensuring the business that puts the package together is
responsible for the entire holiday – even if some elements will
be fulfilled by third parties
According to the Association of British
Travel Agents (ABTA), changes to how we book travel – such as
using online booking sites to build personalised holidays – has
created a gap in consumer rights, with 50% of holiday
arrangements not currently financially protected if a company
ceases trading. Changes will provide clearer and stronger
protections for holidaymakers, ensuring people who book holidays
online enjoy the same rights as those who book with a traditional
travel agent.
Consumer Minister said:
While consumer laws protect millions of holidaymakers from the
fallout if a travel company goes into administration, the way
we book holidays has changed significantly in recent years and
it is important that regulations are updated to reflect this.
On average UK households put aside £100 every month for their
holidays. The proposals outlined in this consultation will
ensure that an extra 22% of holidays can be booked online with
holidaymakers safe in the knowledge that they will get their
hard-earned money back if something does go wrong.
Government is encouraging travel agents, booking sites, trade
associations and consumer groups to respond to the consultation,
which runs for 6 weeks. The European Package Travel Directive
comes into force in July 2018.
