AAC lays out proposals for Package Travel Regulations reform

Saturday, 13 Dec, 2023 0

The Association of ATOL Companies (AAC) has responded to the Call for Evidence on a review of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2015.

The Association has gauged members’ views which were unambiguous.

They say there must be greater clarity and less opportunity for confusion.

“At present, some of the rules fail to do either and should be changed, “said Lindsay Ingram, Chair of the AAC.

The AAC opposes any reduction in consumer protection simply based on the price paid.

All consumers deserve the same rights, the AAC says, including those choosing lower-priced holidays.

In fact, the need for protection may well be higher for cheaper holidays, and this suggestion is ‘hare-brained’ said Alan Bowen, Secretary to the AAC

The AAC has proposed an end to Linked Travel Arrangements since neither the consumer nor industry seems certain of their intent nor the very limited level of protection they provide.

The AAC says the Regulations currently require too much ‘essential information’ to be provided before sale.

The AAC proposes cutting this to make it clearer to the consumer what they are purchasing and how much it will cost.

Too much information means either the consumer ignores it completely or the seller fails to provide it in the first place.

Additionally, the AAC supports the idea of legally mandating the use of vouchers, such as Refund Credit Notes, when there are circumstances such as during Covid-19.

It needs a clear rewrite of the rules, allowing travel organisers to recover their losses from the suppliers that cause them, such as airlines and hotels.

The majority of AAC members would support the complete removal of business travel from Regulations which are seen as protecting consumers.

“Simplicity and clarity will ensure higher standards for both the industry and consumer and these changes may be a rare opportunity to achieve both” Bowen said.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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