As the EU Package Travel Directive reaches its one-year anniversary on 1st July, the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Ireland is calling on holidaymakers to know if their booking is a package, to gather evidence if things go wrong, and to make a complaint to the travel organiser.
The EU Directive, applicable EU-wide since 1st July 2018, was a response to changes in the way consumers now like to book their holidays and how various elements of a holiday are sold online.
As well providing even stronger protections for the more traditional pre-arranged packages, these rules also cover customised (dynamic/DIY) packages.
Linked travel arrangements, where holidaymakers book one travel service but are then invited, through a targeted ‘click-through’ link, to book another service (within 24 hours) also have certain protections under the Directive in the case of insolvency of the travel service provider.
Submitting formal complaint
Press and Communications Manager for ECC Ireland, Martina Nee, explained: “Since the implementation of the EU Directive into national law of the Member States, those who buy ready-made or customised package holidays, or indeed linked travel arrangements, have been able to avail of stronger protections and redress options.
“From the queries received by ECC Ireland from Irish consumers in the past year, it’s clear that there is still a lot of uncertainty about what to do when things go wrong or even what type of booking they have.
“We would advise holidaymakers to check the terms and conditions thoroughly and to see if their booking is a package holiday. If there is something wrong, for example, the accommodation is sub-standard then gather evidence by taking photos.
“You should also contact the travel organiser as soon as possible giving them the opportunity to rectify the problem. When you return home, follow this up by submitting a formal complaint to the travel organiser within 28 days.”
