UK PROPOSALS FOR REFORM The UK implemented the last package travel directive through the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which remained in force following Brexit. Reform of the 2018 Regulations has, however, been in the gaze of successive governments, with the Conservatives launching a call for evidence in 2023 and (following its victory in the July 2024 UK general election) the Labour government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) issuing a formal consultation, which closed on 30 June 2025. As summarised on the DBT’s website, the UK’s consultation includes proposals in relation to: • reforming the domestic package market to exempt domestic (UK) holidays that do not contain a booked travel element from the regulations • reforming linked travel arrangements (LTAs) by either removing or simplifying the definition of LTAs • examining the case for setting a time limit for third parties to provide redress to organisers where the third party has contributed to the event but has not already provided redress directly to the consumer – this is to respond to difficulties some package organisers have in exercising their right to recoup refund monies from suppliers • further technical changes to make clearer what services are within the scope of the regulations, and to reform measures around insolvency protection EU PROPOSALS FOR REFORM At a similar time to the UK’s 2023 call for evidence, on 29 November 2023 the European Commission proposed various amendments to the package travel directive. The EU’s proposals are said to have a closer link to the Covid-19 pandemic and the way in which the industry responds to consumer needs in a time of crisis, with the European Commission identifying the following areas of focus: • rules on voluntary vouchers and clarifications or additional rules on refunds where packages are cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, including with regard to insolvency protection • guidance or additional provisions on the national insolvency protection systems, plus the potential creation of an EU insolvency back-up fund 2 CHRISTOPHER DEACON
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