Lib Dem MEPs welcome moves to protect British holiday makers

Lib Dem MEPs for Yorkshire and the Humber, Edward McMillan-Scott and Rebecca Taylor, have welcomed proposals from the European Commission to modernise EU rules on package holidays.  It is expected that they will bring the rules into the modern era. The changes include stricter controls on price surcharges, reduced red tape for travel agents and improved cancellation rights for customers who book package holidays online.

In 2012, almost half of Brits went on a package holidays in 2012, with an increasing number booking online, hoping to save money by doing so. Now, holidaymakers will have more rights to claim compensation, cancel their bookings and access all relevant information, even when buying online packages with several different companies across Europe.

Commenting on the changes Edward McMillan-Scott said,

“As many Brits prepare to go on their summer holidays, this is welcome news from the European Commission.  It shouldn’t be the case that someone gets stung in the pocket simply for wanting to go on holiday.  There will now be measures to prevent holidaymakers having to fork out hundreds of pounds in hidden charges, and tour operators will be required to pass on any unforeseen savings to customers instead of just saddling them with extra costs.”

The changes will also benefit the tourism industry. Reductions in red tape, such as getting rid of outdated requirements to reprint brochures, will save tour operators and travel agents an estimated £336 million a year.

Rebecca Taylor added,

“Lib Dems are at the forefront of reforming the EU and bringing important EU rules up to date in a way that is good for consumers and businesses alike. These proposals are a great example of such reform as they will be good news for people going on holiday as well as the travel industry. LibDems will work hard in the European Parliament to make sure that these proposals are adopted”

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