- Travel buyers’ network BT4Europe has called for business travel to be “clearly excluded” from a planned revision of the EU’s Package Travel Directive (PTD).
An overhaul of the directive, which is designed to protect consumers when booking travel, is currently undergoing final EU negotiations, but BT4Europe warned against “overregulation that could harm both travellers and many small businesses”.
The association is urging the EU to develop a “clear and workable definition of a package holiday, ensuring a firm distinction from business travel”.
Patrick Diemer, chair of BT4Europe, added: “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.”
BT4Europe said that TMCs and other intermediaries must retain the ability to arrange multiple individual services at a business traveller’s request “without automatically being classified as tour operators and assuming full liability”.
Business travel purchased through a “general agreement” with a TMC or travel agency is not included in the current Package Travel Directive. This is also the case in the UK despite the country leaving the EU.
BT4Europe is also urging the EU to “avoid adding layers of duplicate regulation”, such as new complaint-handling duties, additional penalties or extensive visa information requirements.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 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 travellers who rely on them,” added Diemer.
“A smart, balanced directive will keep package travel safe and attractive, while ensuring our industry remains competitive and diverse.”
