DRV warns: EU package travel directive endangers Germany's travel industry!

DRV warns: EU package travel directive endangers Germany's travel industry!

Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), raised the alarming situation in the travel industry at the Capital Congress in Berlin. It calls for reliable framework conditions, less bureaucracy and fair rules to cope with the weak economy, rising prices and increasing bureaucracy that is burdening both travel providers and customers. The DRV criticizes the planned revision of the EU package travel directive, which could endanger the economic substance of travel agencies. The association emphasizes that Germany is responsible for over 40% of all EU package tours and sees the federal government as having a responsibility to influence the Danish Council Presidency in order to effectively represent German interests. Fiebig said that they are hoping for support from the federal government in order to achieve a fair regulation that balances both consumer protection and economic viability.

The congress, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the DRV, enabled Fiebig to praise the positive developments of the German Travel Security Fund (DRSF). From November 1st, possible contribution reductions to 0.5% can be realized. In addition, he calls for more flexibility and fairness in creditworthiness-dependent security deposits. Fiebig was optimistic about the future of the industry and thanked for the cooperation in recent years.

EU proposals to protect travelers

In a parallel context, the European Union's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee supports the Commission's proposal to update rules to protect travelers. The aim of this initiative is to better specify travelers' information and cancellation rights, as well as to strengthen the right to reimbursement and repatriation assistance in the event of the tour operator's insolvency. In addition, the term “package trip” should be defined more precisely and uniform regulations for vouchers should be created. Consumers would therefore have the right to reject vouchers and choose a refund within 14 days.

Important content of the proposal also includes that unredeemed vouchers must be refunded for their unused value when they expire. Vouchers should be valid for at least 12 months and can be extended or transferred once. An insolvency guarantee should also ensure that the value of the vouchers is at least equal to the refund amount. Travelers who wish to cancel their trip due to unavoidable or exceptional circumstances should be guaranteed no penalties and a full refund.

Future negotiations and implementation

Members of the European Parliament adopted the negotiating position with a large majority on September 24th, meaning that negotiations with the Council on the new rules can now be prepared. In the vote, 535 votes were for the yes side, while 36 MPs voted against the proposal and 47 abstained. Rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba also emphasized the need for a mandatory complaint mechanism for travelers, thereby demonstrating the desire to put the interests of travelers at the center of the new regulations.