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Following the European Commission’s adoption of the Passenger Package in May, ECTAA has set out four priorities to ensure the proposals deliver what European travellers need: more choice, genuine transparency, easier comparison and better access to rail and multimodal journeys.
ECTAA supports the Package’s ambition to make rail and multimodal travel easier to find, compare and book. Independent travel intermediaries – travel agents, tour operators, online travel agencies, ticketing platforms and other distributors – are essential to achieving this. But to deliver on these ambitions, travel intermediaries need the right conditions.
29/06/2026 Agreement on enforcement of passenger rights undermine travel intermediaries’ role and services
ECTAAexpresses serious concern following the provisional agreement reached between the Council and the European Parliament on new rules to strengthen the enforcement of passenger rights across the EU.
While ECTAA supports strong and effective passenger protection, the agreed provisions on reimbursement in case of transport cancellations raise significant concerns over the disproportionate impact the new regulations will have on independent travel intermediaries.
Under the new rules, passengers would be entitled to full reimbursement, including any intermediation fees, in the event of a flight cancellation. This approach fails to recognize the distinct and valuable services provided by independent travel intermediaries, which are separate from the transport service itself.
A coalition of European tourism and travel associations, composed of ECTAA, EFCO&HPA, ETOA, HOTREC and RuralTour welcomes the European Commission's decision to open an infringement procedure against Spain concerning Royal Decree 933/2021 and its compatibility with the EU Law Enforcement Directive.
The Commission announced on Thursday 4 June that it had sent a Letter of Formal Notice to Spain, expressing concerns that the country's traveller data collection requirements may breach EU data protection rules. The Commission specifically questions the excessive categories of personal data collected, including payment and location-related information, the broad access granted to law enforcement authorities, and the three-year retention period.
Help Give Ukrainian Children a Summer to Remember
The summer camps are made possible thanks to the generous support of travel companies across Europe and the dedication and time from national travel trade associations. This year, children will participate in camps organised jointly in Sweden and Finland, as well as in Latvia.
While much of the programme is already funded, additional support is still needed to cover the cost of transporting the children safely by coach from Ukraine to the camps.
Every donation, regardless of size, helps give Ukrainian children the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful and restorative summer experience.
Learn more and support the project:
- Download the information leaflet
- Watch the video from previous summer camps
- Visit the New Hope fundraising page and make a donation
Thank you for helping bring hope, happiness and unforgettable memories to Ukrainian children!
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with the support of CzechTourism