The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) adopted its position on a revision of the EU package travel directive to enhance protection for travellers when a tour organiser goes bankrupt or unforeseen circumstances disrupt their holiday plans. The COVID-19 pandemic and the insolvency of Thomas Cook revealed weaknesses in the current rules.

Refund rights, insolvency protection and information requirements

MEPs backed the Commission proposal to clarify existing provisions to ensure travellers get a refund for pre-payments and services that have not yet been provided, as well as repatriation help, when their travel organiser goes bankrupt. The updated directive would clarify what counts as a travel package and list the kind of information to be provided to travellers before, during and after their trip.

Use of vouchers

The committee also agreed on new provisions to ensure consumers can refuse vouchers and instead choose to request a refund within 14 days. When a…