TUI boss Ebel demands: Immediate relief for travel customers now!

TUI boss Ebel demands: Immediate relief for travel customers now!

Deutschland - The CEO of TUI, Sebastian Ebel, expresses significant criticism of the current situation in the German travel industry. He speaks of "seven expensive months" and a "standstill" for both consumers and for the industry. He sees the causes in particular in the high costs for the German travel security fund (DRSF), in which tour operators have to deposit, which means annual stress in the middle double -digit million range for TUI. EBEL demands that the payments to the DRSF, which is to serve as a safety network for affected package customers after bankruptcies such as that of FTI in 2024, is to be suspended on July 1st, since the target assets are achieved.

The DRSF, whose legally set target capital is 1.04 billion euros, had a fund volume of 836 million euros in January 2023. After the FTI bankruptcy, however, a decline was expected to 778 million euros. The total damage is estimated by the bankruptcy to 332 million euros, of which 114.8 million euros were at the expense of the fund. Ebel is supported in his demand by Christoph Debus, the boss of Dertour, and Marija Linnhoff, the chairman of the travel agency Vusr.

Criticism of the DRSF and its way of acting

EBEL also criticizes the passivity of the fund management. Since the breakdown of the traffic light coalition, no decision on the amount of the fees has been made. Despite the still deposits that TUI and other providers have to do in the fund, EBEL is on a proactive approach to improve the situation. He points out that not all those affected have so far received their money in the FTI bankruptcy and suggests giving customers more options in securing their travels.

The Lower Saxony Consumer Center also provides information about the legal situation for affected travelers. Contract law advice, in particular on the matters of consumer law, are available there. Free on-site or video advice is offered for more complex problems. Consumers must note that no legal advice is offered in disputes between private individuals or other legal areas such as family or tenancy law.

Outlook and demands

Finally, EBEL demands that the fees to be reduced to zero at short notice in order to reduce the pressure on the industry and consumers. In the long term, he strives for more transparency in the investment options of the fund's assets. These demands aim to secure the stability and future of the travel industry and to help the affected travelers who were damaged by bankruptcies in the sector.