As the EU institutions enter final negotiations on the revision of the Package Travel Directive (PTD), BT4Europe, the European Network of Business Travel Associations, warns against overregulation that could harm both travelers and the many small businesses that make up Europe’s travel sector.
BT4Europe calls for a clear and workable definition of a package holiday, ensuring a firm distinction from business travel. Intermediaries must retain the ability to arrange multiple individual services at a traveler’s request without automatically being classified as tour operators and assuming full liability. In our view, the Council of Ministers’ proposal to reintroduce a clear separation between package holidays and individual travel services is the right and necessary approach.
Exclusion of Business Travel
BT4Europe welcomes the Council’s decision to drop the unworkable “24-hour package” rule, which would have created legal uncertainty and confusion for both travellers and operators. Patrick Diemer – BT4Europe Chair said: “Business travel must clearly be excluded from the directive. The PTD is designed to protect consumers, not companies – and applying it to corporate travel would place unnecessary burdens on small agencies while giving large players an unfair advantage.”
Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances
Another pressing issue is the handling of “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.” BT4Europe stresses that only objective assessments, such as official travel warnings, should determine whether free cancellations are possible. Imposing arbitrary time limits or making operators responsible for personal circumstances would shift risks unfairly onto businesses and undermine the viability of package travel.
BT4Europe also urges lawmakers to avoid adding layers of duplicate regulation, such as new complaint-handling duties, additional penalties, or extensive visa information requirements. Existing EU legislation already provides consumers with clear rights and redress mechanisms. More bureaucracy would only increase costs, especially for SMEs, without offering travelers any real benefit.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Europe’s travel industry. If regulation becomes excessive, they will be the first to suffer – and so will the millions of travelers who rely on them,” Patrick Diemer added. “A smart, balanced directive will keep package travel safe and attractive, while ensuring our industry remains competitive and diverse.”
