ABTA fights for agent model in Brussels
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ABTA has called on the EU to let agents continue to work as they do within the Package Travel Directive (PTD) changes.
The association visited the government in Brussels this week to represent travel agents and the choice they offer to consumers. Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA also told vice president Viviane Reding about its concerns over cooling off periods and the inclusion of click-through sales.
Details of the new PTD are expected to be released in the spring, with ABTA also talking to HMRC in the UK in light of any changes that may need to be made as a result of the changes.
“We will continue to press the case for reform whilst ensuring that the reforms avoid unnecessary red tape and that agents retain the ability to trade as agents. The issue of consumer protection is quite distinct from that of organisers’ business models, and that distinction must not be lost in the Package Travel review,” explained Tanzer. “It was a constructive meeting in which we shared our concerns and clearly explained the rationale behind them.”
Consumer protection was also in the UK’s government today when the Transport Select Committee met and again called for holidays sold by airlines to be included in ATOL. A consultation will follow the PTD decision in Brussels.
