The EU’s current proposals for reform do not contemplate the definition of ‘other tourist services’, highlighting a further area of likely divergence in the UK’s approach, but one where again the UK could lead boldly in demonstrating a path to enhanced consumer protection and greater confidence in the package travel industry. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE UK TO EVOLVE WITHOUT STRAYING TOO FAR FROM THE EU’S SHADOW As the UK government continues to analyse feedback received during the 2025 consultation, the extent of any future divergence from the EU directive remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the current complexities surrounding the 2018 Regulations and the concept of LTAs fashioned therein create confusion for consumers and increase the risk of satellite disputes. To improve and maintain trust in the travel industry, any reforms must not create additional complexity or erode protections available to consumers. Instead, any changes by the UK government should build on the safeguards of consumer protection that underpin the 2018 Regulations, making it simpler for tour operators to outline and meet their obligations to customers, listening and responding to the concerns raised by stakeholders from the personal injury and consumer rights sectors. While there are areas where the UK could boldly diverge, such as compulsory liability insurance requirements which can be seen in other heavily regulated areas like employer’s liability, despite tentative signs the UK government is willing to do so, will the UK really stray too far from the shadow cast by the EU and its package travel directive in this important area of consumer protection? 10 CHRISTOPHER DEACON
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTE4NzM5Nw==