The EU adopted the Package Travel Directive revising the rules on package travel, strengthening protection for travellers purchasing combined tourist services such as flights, accommodation, transfers, or excursions in a single package. The revised package travel directive (PTD) adjusts the definition of ‘package’ by excluding linked travel arrangements and enhances information requirements before, during, and after the trip, including payment methods, passport or visa requirements, accessibility, and cancellation fees.

The directive clarifies travellers’ rights in cases of cancellation due to ‘force majeure’, ensuring no termination fees are charged and requiring organisers to provide refunds within 14 days, and introduces rules on vouchers that must be of equal or greater value, valid for 12 months, and transferable once.

It strengthens transparency and protection in cases of organiser insolvency by requiring clearer information on insolvency coverage, complaint-handling systems, and refunds within six months, with possible extensions under certain conditions. 

Following the Council’s approval, the legislative act has been adopted and will enter into force on 20 days after its publication in the official journal. Member States will then have 28 months to implement the new rules at national level.