EU proposing new package to compensate travellers

ALMOST half of Irish holidaymakers organise their own travel and accommodation, but they are rarely covered if anything goes wrong.

The same is true for passengers on airlines that go bankrupt, and over the past three years 29 airlines in Europe went out of business.

Holidays are big business and Europe is the world’s largest market with annual sales of €246 billion. But the internet is fast replacing travel agents and brochures, and the existing consumer protection laws are out of date.

Now, the EU is proposing a new package ensuring compensation where hotels and flights are not up to scratch, and citizens are invited to comment and make suggestions.

Consumer Commissioner Maglena Kuneva says that since people are changing the way they organise their holidays, the old rules no longer apply.

The Irish, more than any other EU citizens, have moved away from booking package holidays and last year 46% of us booked our own flights, rental cars, holiday homes or hotels. The EU’s Package Travel Directive does not cover them if hotels are not up to standard or flights are cancelled.

“It is no longer suited to today’s travel market. The internet and low-cost airlines have transformed business models and changed consumer behaviour.

“We need tough protection that gives all consumers booking a holiday the peace of mind they deserve and we need a level playing field so businesses can compete on equal terms,” said Ms Kuneva.

The new legislation should cover packages put together by the consumer on the internet from sites such as Expedia or Opodo; from linked sites offering for instance car rental or hotels; and overnights on cruise ships and trains.

Anybody interested in commenting or making suggestions has till February 7 to do so online at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/rights/travel/consultation_en.htm