Abta has said it will “support members as changes impact their businesses”, after the Package Travel Directive (PTD) was passed in European Parliament today.
The UK government will now have two years to implement the directive, with a further six months allowed for compliance.
Under the new PTD, those putting together a package for a customer will be responsible for all the services included as part of the package.
This means agents who put together a flight and a hotel, for example, will have the same responsibilities as traditional package holiday organisers.
It also means that if the services that form the package are not delivered properly, the organiser will have to fix any problems or make arrangements for suitable alternatives.
The new directive addresses unavoidable circumstances as well, making clear the organiser will have an obligation to pay for necessary accommodation, but only for a period of three days.
Abta’s head of public affairs, Stephen D’Alfonso, said: “The vote by the European Parliament in Strasbourg marks a milestone in the PTD revision process, which has been ongoing in Brussels since 2009.
“Abta has long argued for a more level playing field for travel companies, and enhanced consumer protections.
“The revised Directive goes some way to achieving this aim, and we look forward to continuing to work with the EU institutions to monitor whether further changes for greater consistency will be required in the coming years.
“Abta will work with the UK government to represent the views of members as the reforms are implemented, and support members as changes begin to impact their businesses.”