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Marija Linnhoff starts tour of Germany: Focus on the future of package holidays!
Marija Linnhoff tours Germany to discuss the package holiday policy and the challenges facing the industry.
Marija Linnhoff starts tour of Germany: Focus on the future of package holidays!
Marija Linnhoff, the head of the travel agency association VUSR, is currently on a tour of Germany to highlight the numerous challenges facing the travel industry. The nationwide tour starts in Lower Saxony, with other federal states to follow. Linnhoff emphasizes that it is important to support the grassroots work of travel agencies and draw attention to the tense situation. This initiative comes at a time when Thomas Cook is revising its package holiday policy, raising additional points of discussion within the industry.
In a parallel debate on the revision of the package travel directive, seven associations, including ASR, DRV and DTV, signed a joint position paper. The VUSR, although actively involved in the discussion, was not part of this document. Linnhoff also expressed concerns about the different interests between stationary travel agencies and online travel providers (OTAs). Particularly at this time, objective dialogue within the industry is crucial, but the chances of agreement on the revision of the directive are rather critical.
The challenges of the industry
The debate about the new regulations and in particular the demand for a three-hour rule is causing tension. While VUSR boss Linnhoff criticizes the representation by VIR boss Michael Buller as unsuitable, she also calls on the major tour operators to clearly support stationary sales. Buller, in turn, argues that the introduction of this regulation would have an impact on all providers.
Despite some similarities, there are stubborn differences between the associations. Linnhoff is unsure whether she will be able to get the tour operators on the side of the stationary travel agencies. The clear positioning and support of stationary providers by the industry is seen as crucial for future development.
Overall, travel agencies are facing a crucial phase, which is characterized by the current debate about the package travel directive. A coordinated industry response could be crucial in protecting the interests of all stakeholders.