The European Union has taken a major step toward strengthening protections for holidaymakers, with the European Parliament approving updated rules on package travel designed to clarify travellers’ rights and improve consumer safeguards across the sector.
On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly in favour of the revised directive, with 537 votes in support, two against and 24 abstentions. The reform builds on lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic and from high-profile travel company bankruptcies that left many travellers struggling to recover their money.
The updated legislation aims to modernise the rules governing package holidays, providing greater clarity on booking arrangements, improving refund rights and reinforcing protection when travel plans are disrupted.
Clearer definition of a travel package
One of the central elements of the reform is a clearer definition of what constitutes a travel package, particularly in an era where many holidays are assembled through online bookings across multiple providers.
Under the new rules, a combination of travel services offered by different traders may be considered a package when linked booking processes are used, and the first trader transfers a traveller’s personal data to other providers. If the contracts for these services are concluded within 24 hours, the booking will fall under the EU’s package travel protection framework.
The directive also introduces stronger transparency obligations. When travellers are invited to book additional services, organisers must clearly inform them if those services do not form part of the package previously purchased. The aim is to avoid confusion for consumers who may assume that all elements of their trip are protected under the same contract.
The reform follows a provisional agreement reached last year between the European Parliament and EU member states, marking the next stage in the effort to modernise the Package Travel Directive.
