Crisis facing travel agencies: emergency support measures
24.7.2020
Priority question for written answer P-004393/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Brice Hortefeux (PPE)
On 13 May 2020, the Commission issued recommendations concerning the revival of the tourism sector in response to the COVID-19 crisis, which include the obligation for travel agencies to uphold the right to reimbursement for any cancelled service.
According to estimates drawn up by the European Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (ECTAA), the pandemic could cause turnover in the sector to plummet by up to 90% in the second quarter of 2020. Many travel agencies, already hit by the collapse of the tour operator Thomas Cook and the failure on the part of transport companies to pay them money they are owed, are facing bankruptcy and can no longer reimburse their customers.
In a move not consistent with EU law, a number of Member States have drawn up support plans for travel agencies, prompting the Commission to bring infringement proceedings against 10 Member States.
- 1.Given the need for urgent action, will the Commission intervene to force transport companies to honour their financial obligations towards travel agencies?
- 2.What steps will it take to prevent mass bankruptcies among travel agencies, which would also affect their customers?
- 3.Does it plan to ease the rules on travel agency assets?