The World Travel & Tourism Council is calling for changes to EU legislation over passenger compensation in light of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud disruption.
It says the European Commission needs to re-examine compensation legislation about how much airlines and tour operators should be required to compensate passengers.
“While passengers should certainly be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses, the fallout of the volcanic ash cloud is unduly impacting an industry that is already subject to excessive regulation and taxation,†said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president & CEO.
“This situation originated from force majeur and not as a result of mismanagement by airlines and tour operators. We believe it is time the EC recognise this and re-examine how the legislation is applied in such circumstances.â€
Like the airline industry, the WTTC believes that air traffic restrictions went on too long and were undertaken without proper consultation with airline and tour operators.
“Tourism is being hit with a double whammy: the loss of business as planes were grounded and now the cost of reimbursing passengers,†said Baumgarten.
“With evidence that some operators – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises which make up more than three-quarters of the industry – are struggling financially this year, it is an unwanted and unwarranted burden.
“We cannot help but think tourism is being punished for circumstances not of its making.â€
According to the WTTC, legislation is too prohibitive in its current form and does not allow for circumstances beyond the control of the aviation industry.
It said the industry is already burdened with visa policies and processes, taxation (particularly the UK’s Air Passenger Duty) and infrastructure restrictions such as airport expansion.
It said airlines also have to foot the bill for increased security measures at airports worldwide.
By Bev Fearis
