EU is planning new rules for package holidays: focus on consumer protection!

EU is planning new rules for package holidays: focus on consumer protection!

The EU is on the cusp of making significant changes to the Package Travel Directive to strengthen travelers' rights. Today, new regulations to protect travelers are being discussed as part of negotiations that have been ongoing since September 24, 2025. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) welcomed the developments, particularly with regard to the planned clarifications on information and cancellation rights as well as refunds and repatriation assistance in the event of insolvency.

However, associations warn of possible increased costs and additional bureaucracy that could arise from the new regulations. Felix Methmann, travel law expert at VZBV, blames the unaccommodating behavior of many providers during the pandemic for the current orientation. Methmann expresses the fear that the tourism industry will not be able to achieve much in the current trilogue process because it does not appear uniformly.

Problems with transferable vouchers

A central point of the reform is the clarification of the term “package trip” and the harmonization of the regulations for vouchers. Under the proposal, consumers have the right to reject vouchers and instead choose a refund within 14 days. Unredeemed voucher value should be refunded upon expiry, and vouchers must be covered by insolvency guarantees. Their value should be at least equal to the refund and voucher holders should be given priority when selecting travel services.

The EU institutions have also tightened the protective rules in order to include more constellations under the package holiday concept. This is intended to ensure that intermediaries must clearly distinguish between package tours and individual services. This means that companies that do not provide transparent information are legally treated like event organizers. To prevent legal problems, travel agencies should have their customers confirm in writing that they are waiving package travel protection.

Cancellation conditions and rights of travelers

The right of cancellation is also strengthened for travelers in the event of unavoidable or exceptional circumstances. Travelers can cancel before travel without penalty and with a full refund. Official travel warnings issued up to 28 days before departure should also be taken into account. According to the proposal, there should also be a mandatory complaint mechanism for travelers to ensure that their rights are enforced.

Overall, it appears that the planned changes signal a broad agreement between politicians and consumer advocates. The abolition of associated travel services is considered important as they have provided little benefit. Although Methmann sees scope for adjustments to the deadline for bookings, he believes that a complete move away from a time limit is unlikely.

The results of the negotiations and future regulations could have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry and the rights of consumers. The VZBV and other consumer associations will continue to monitor developments closely.

For more information read the details on Gloobi and European Parliament.