ECTAA Releases ‘Manifesto’ to Unlock Europe’s Travel Potential

Photo source: European Commission

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) is calling upon the EU to take strategic initiatives and provide regulatory support to enhance the travel sector’s resilience, promote innovation, and ensure sustainability.

ECTAA, the European umbrella organization for travel agents and tour operators, has released its “Manifesto 2024-2029” as European institutions prepare for the next five-year term.

“Now that we know the new members of the European Parliament and their responsibilities, it is the right time for us to explain what we believe essential for the travel industry,” ECTAA Secretary General Eric Drésin said in an announcement.

ECTAA’s ‘Manifesto 2024-2029’

The document published by the association highlights the necessity of robust consumer protection and transparency in distribution, ensuring that travellers benefit from clear, fair, and safe travel options.

By addressing these key areas, the manifesto sets a clear path forward for policymakers and industry stakeholders to collaborate effectively, ensuring a thriving future for Europe’s travel industry.

Priority: Revision of Package Travel Directive

According to ECTAA’s manifesto, priority for the coming years is the revision of the Package Travel Directive.

The association highlights that the current directive “already guarantees” a high level of consumer protection for package holidays in terms of customer information, insolvency protection and assistance when something goes wrong.

“Any new text should aim at maintaining consumer protection without imposing unnecessary burden on tour operators or confusing provisions,” says the association.

However, ECTAA has concerns about the assurance of consumer choice and transparency in travel options in the future.

“Travel advisors need a guaranteed access to comprehensive travel content on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms,” the association notes, adding that it is also important to ensure effective passenger rights for uni- and multimodal transport that include workable ticket refund rules and protection of passenger data.

Moreover, the association underlines that it is of “utmost importance” to revise the special VAT scheme for travel agents to update the rules, address competition distortions, and ensure uniform application across Europe.

ECTAA president: Travel advisors will play a critical role

Frank Oostdam. Photo source: @ANVR

ECTAA’s president, Frank Oostdam, highlights that Europe is home to more than 80,000 travel advisors who have undergone a “remarkable transformation” in recent years, evolving from simple intermediaries to expert guides within a complex travel system.

“As we look to the future, these advisors will play an increasingly critical role, responding to the growing demand for tailored and sustainable alternatives to conventional tourism offerings. Supporting the green transition of tourism is essential, with ECTAA advocating for dedicated funding to help companies invest in sustainable practices,” Oostdam said.

ECTAA represents the interests of 80,000 travel agents and tour operators in Europe, which provide consultancy and sell transport, accommodation, leisure and other tourism services as well as combined products to leisure and business customers.