Published on : Friday, November 29, 2013
ABTA is to sponsor a debate on the future of holiday consumer protection in Brussels on 4 December. The event will be hosted by Malcolm Harbour CBE MEP, Chair of the Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO), and Brian Simpson MEP, Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN), two of the most influential Committees in the revision of the Package Travel Directive.
The event brings together fifty leading stakeholders from across the European travel industry and leading European policymakers to discuss how holiday-based consumer protection can be modernised to better reflect the realities of today’s marketplace and how the right balance can be struck between business competitiveness and consumer rights. The attendees will discuss the proposed changes to the Package Travel Directive and put forward their views on areas that require greater clarification or revision.
ABTA will present the views of its Members at the event, which it has sought through an extensive consultation process. Some of the key issues ABTA will raise include seeking clarity on the definition of a package and assisted travel arrangements, ensuring the right of agents to remain as agents, and securing a business travel exemption from the Directive.
The event will include short presentations from:
Malcolm Harbour CBE MEP, Chair, European Parliament’s IMCO Committee
Brian Simpson MEP, Chair, European Parliament’s TRAN Committee
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA
Hans-Peter Mayer MEP, Lead Rapporteur, IMCO Committee
Michel de Blust, Secretary General, ECTAA
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Exexutive said: “ABTA has been leading the debate in Brussels to modernise the Package Travel Directive, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to put forward our Members’ views to some of the most influential MEPs taking part in the revision process. With some of the leading European travel businesses in attendance, there hasn’t yet been a better arena to discuss and debate the content of the proposed PTD revisions and engage directly with the policymakers. ”
Malcolm Harbour MEP said: “This long awaited update of the Package Travel Directive needs careful examination by Parliament. The input of travel professionals is crucial to ensure that we achieve the right balance, improving consumer protection while ensuring a thriving travel sector offering great value holidays.”
Separately, ABTA today also submitted its response to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ consultation on the Package Travel Directive, which is available to view on abta.com. The consultation reflects the views of ABTA Members from its extensive consultation.
Source:- ABTA
Tags: Association News
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