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Adopted text

Amending the Directive on package travel and linked travel arrangements

TA-10-2025-0195 · P10_TA(2025)0195 · PE768.075

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Parliament's amended version of the proposal to amend Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel simplifies the definition of 'package', deletes the concept of 'linked travel arrangement', and updates related rules. It sets rules on downpayments, vouchers, termination rights, insolvency protection, information duties, complaint handling, and penalties.

Key points

  1. The definition of 'package' is clarified and simplified; bookings at one point of sale within 24 hours after an active invitation are packages; linked travel arrangements are deleted.
  2. The concept of 'linked travel arrangement' and its rules are removed from the Directive, and Annex II is deleted.
  3. Downpayments may be subject to limitations based on national provisions; no EU-wide cap is set.
  4. Travellers may terminate a contract without fee if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances significantly affect the package; official travel warnings are important elements in assessment.
  5. Refunds must be made within 14 days of termination, regardless of whether the traveller asks; organisers must reimburse all payments made.
  6. Vouchers may be offered instead of refunds, but only with the traveller's express consent; they must be valid for up to 12 months, transferable once, and usable for any organiser service.
  7. Insolvency protection must cover refunds and repatriation; travellers must be informed promptly of insolvency; refunds from insolvency protection must be paid within six months of request.
  8. Member States must designate central contact points and create public inventories of traders selling packages and their insolvency protection entities.
  9. Organisers and retailers must set up complaint-handling mechanisms, acknowledge complaints within seven working days, and reply within 30 working days.
  10. Penalties for infringements must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive; maximum fines must be at least 4% of annual turnover in the Member State(s) concerned.
  11. Organisers must provide information in accessible formats and include details on accessibility for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Who is affected

  • Travellers buying packages: gain clearer rights on termination, refunds, vouchers, and insolvency protection.
  • Organisers and retailers: face new duties on information, complaint handling, and penalties; lose linked travel arrangement rules.
  • Member States: must implement new rules, designate contact points, create inventories, and enforce penalties.

Figures and deadlines

  • 24 hours: period for additional bookings after active invitation to be considered a package.
  • 14 days: deadline for refunds after termination or voucher expiry.
  • 12 months: maximum validity period for vouchers, extendable once by up to 12 months.
  • Six months: deadline for refunds from insolvency protection after documents submitted.
  • Seven working days: to acknowledge complaints; 30 working days: to reply.
  • 4%: minimum maximum fine as percentage of annual turnover.
  • 24 months: transposition period after entry into force.