The outcome of this month’s European election could have profound implications for travel as Package Travel Directive reform continues to be worked through, says Abta’s Stephen D’Alfonso
We’re just weeks away from the European elections and Brussels, perhaps unusually, is front and centre of UK voters’ minds.
Some 40% of us will make our way to a polling station on May 22 to decide the shape of the next European Parliament. The implications of this election, at least for the travel industry, should not be underestimated.
The European Parliament sits empty as MEPs fan out across the EU to make their case for re-election and activity in Brussels has noticeably slowed. But the work of member states in the European Council carries on and the European Commission continues to prepare for the change of mandate later this year.
PTD reform
Revision of the Package Travel Directive (PTD) continues. A lot of progress has been made in the process to reform and update the PTD, with parliament finishing its first-reading report, and the council having completed a first read-through of the articles. But we remain some way off from a final text.
Abta has been making the case in Brussels on behalf of members for several years, building relationships with influencers and decision-makers – and this is clearly reflected in some of the positive changes the parliament has made to the directive.
For example, we’ve seen improved clarity in relation to the exemption for business travel; an organiser-based liability model has been maintained and strengthened; and gone – at least in the current draft – are unworkable proposals for a ‘cooling-off’ period and the concept of personal force majeure (unavoidable circumstances), which would have passed significant costs to consumers and industry.
The biggest challenge remains the lack of clarity in defining a package and linked travel arrangements. Arguably, unless policymakers can agree on a way to capture click-through holiday sales, it will be difficult for them to argue they have achieved the clear and fair regulatory playing field they set out to attain.
Consensus for change
However, there is good news. It is clear there is consensus across Europe’s political institutions to improve a regulatory framework that is in genuine need of reform.
There is also still a long way to go and plenty of opportunities to make Abta members’ voices heard.
With work in the European Parliament unlikely to resume until autumn, Abta’s focus has shifted to the discussions between member states in the council, where the Greek presidency has made good progress. The Italians are likely to add to this momentum when they take over the presidency in July.
We should acknowledge both the huge strides made already and the potential to complete this important revision successfully.
There remains huge potential to influence the debate, and the eventual outcome.
Those who can’t wait for the autumn, when the volume in Brussels will rise, will hopefully be part of the discussion on the PTD at this week’s Abta Travel Law Seminar.