Leading industry consultants disagree on a government proposal to remove UK domestic packages from the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs) but are united in rejecting plans for a minimum cost threshold at which the regulations apply.
The Department for Business and Trade launched a 12-week call for evidence on reform of the PTRs last week, with proposals either to remove domestic packages wholly from the regulations or to remove those excluding transport. There was a surprise proposal to remove packages below an unspecified price as well as an expected proposal to scrap Linked Travel Arrangements.
Speaking at Travel Weekly’s Future of Travel Conference last week, Themis Advisory director Jo Kolatsis insisted domestic packages should remain within the PTRs, arguing it made no difference whether travel is included.
More: Comment: What you need to know about the PTRs review
Government to launch review of Package Travel Regulations
She said: “I can get stuck in Scotland the same way I can get stuck in France. It’s shocking that the consultation’s very first paragraph talks about easing regulations for holidaymakers on UK holidays. We shouldn’t make that differentiation.”
However, industry accountant Chris Photi of White Hart Associates insisted domestic holidays “should be out of the PTRs”, saying: “Pay with a credit card, that is my advice.”
Travel Trade Consultancy director Martin Alcock noted: “We had a big coach operator [Shearings] fail in 2020. Vulnerable people travelling would still need to get home.”
He added: “I don’t think all domestic packages should be exempt.There are grey areas, for example around a hotel and golf. That doesn’t need the same oversight. There is an argument for exempting everything that does not include transport, but then you’re into this grey area, confusing the definition of a package.”
However, all three opposed a minimum cost threshold at which the PTRs should apply. Kolatsis said: “Congratulations if you’re trying to create a loophole in the regulations. Why should there be a difference in protection depending on what you pay? The industry wants clarity so consumers know what they’re getting.”
Alcock argued: “You could get some of the most vulnerable people not getting protection.” Photi agreed, insisting a holiday booking “has to be definitely in or out” of protection.