Jim Nicholson MEP has welcomed a vote in the European Parliament to extend protection for package holiday travellers.
The proposed measures aim to clarify the rules on package travel and enhance consumer protection for travellers who customise holidays online.
Mr Nicholson said;
“I am pleased that the European Parliament has supported the draft law to extend the rights of package holiday travellers. The current EU rules date from 1990 and do not provide adequate cover for the modern holidaymaker. With the increase in internet sales and the availability of cheap flights, the way people plan and buy holidays has changed dramatically. Often holidays are customised over the internet, and it is important that the EU recognises and responds to these changes.”
“Therefore, I’m glad that the EU is moving to update the laws and strengthen the rights for consumers in Northern Ireland who book holidays online. The revised EU directive will broaden the definition of a package holiday and provide greater protection for travellers.”
The updated rules will include; limiting the circumstances where prices can be raised, preventing organisers from altering flight times significantly after the conclusion of a sale and ensuring that travellers are repatriated if a tour organiser goes bust whilst they are on holiday. The rules will also specify holidaymakers’ rights in cases of unforeseen circumstances, for example a natural disaster or terrorist attack, where it is not possible to return home on time.