Press releases
Travel agents and tour operators highlight the strategy’s forward-looking framework on balanced visitor flows, seamless connectivity, data-driven policymaking, modernised VAT rules, and skills.
ECTAA warmly welcomes the European Commission’s newly presented EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy. As a strategic roadmap designed to reinforce the long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of European tourism, the initiative sets an ambitious direction for destinations, travellers, and the wider travel community.
26/10/2026 ECTAA and GNTO join forces to strengthen Greece’s ties with the European travel industry
A short but ambitious partnership will put Greece in the spotlight as ECTAA’s Showcase Destination for the remainder of 2026, combining destination promotion, industry dialogue and high-level networking opportunities.
ECTAA and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen connections between Greece and Europe's travel agents and tour operators. Running until 31 December 2026, this cooperation will build on a series of targeted initiatives designed to showcase Greece's tourism potential and foster closer relations with the European travel distribution sector.
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.
28/05/2026 ECTAA Elects New President and Executive Board for 2026–2028
At its 132nd semi-annual meeting held in Prague and hosted by the Czech travel association ACCKA and Czech Tourism, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association elected Heli Mäki-Fränti as President of ECTAA for the 2026–2028 mandate.
As the newly elected President, Heli Mäki-Fränti brings extensive experience and long-standing involvement in the travel and tourism sector at both national and European level. CEO of the Association of Finnish Travel Industry (SMAL), she has led the Finnish association since 2007 and has served as Vice-President of ECTAA since 2022. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in travel policy, sustainable tourism and EU advocacy, contributing to the representation of the sector in key legislative discussions at European level.
13/05/2026 ECTAA backs EU passenger package, but flags competition risks
ECTAA welcomes today’s adoption by the European Commission of the new passenger package, including proposals on Rail Ticketing, Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) and revised Rail Passenger Rights. The package reflects the Commission’s ambition to promote more sustainable rail and multimodal travel across Europe while improving the passenger experience.
While these objectives are both commendable and long overdue, ECTAA questions whether the proposed measures will ultimately deliver a truly competitive, open and consumer-friendly multimodal market — particularly in relation to the proposed Rail Ticketing Regulation.
30/03/2026 The revised Package Travel Directive receives final approval from the Council
ECTAA welcomes today’s formal adoption of the revised Package Travel Directive by the European Council. This marks the conclusion of an important legislative process and delivers a clearer, more workable framework for organised travel in Europe.
The new text introduces a number of useful clarifications and improvements while maintaining a high level of protection for travellers. ECTAA particularly welcomes the simplified definition of package travel and the removal of linked travel arrangements, a concept that had added complexity without delivering clear benefits to either travellers or businesses. ECTAA also notes with satisfaction that some of the most problematic proposals discussed during the review, such as limits on advance payments and the overly broad “3-hour package” concept, were not retained in the final text.
11/02/26 The Future of Indirect Distribution Takes Centre Stage
The European travel industry gathers in the heart of Europe to assess the state of travel distribution, the most impactful developments and what the future will hold.
ECTAA is holding its Travel Distribution Summit 2026 from 10-11 February in Brussels. It is the third of a series of ECTAA Travel Summits following “Payment” in 2024 and “Protection” in 2025.
The ECTAA Travel Distribution Summit gathers over 150 leaders from across the wider travel ecosystem including travel intermediaries, tour operators and suppliers, as well as technology, payment and insurance providers to discuss the current state of travel distribution as well its evolution in an increasingly technology driven and regulated marketplace.
ECTAA, The umbrella organisation of the national Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ associations within the EU, and WEX, a leading financial technology service provider specializing in virtual card and travel payment solutions, have entered into a strategic two-year partnership. The collaboration aims to strengthen the digital maturity of the European travel sector by promoting secure, efficient, and compliant payment technologies adapted to a multi-channel and cross-border market environment.
19/01/2026 ECTAA and CzechTourism announce strategic partnership with Prague meeting in May
ECTAA,and CzechTourism, the national tourism authority of Czechia, have agreed to strengthen their cooperation through a strategic partnership. This collaboration will culminate in ECTAA's general meeting in Prague in May 2026, an important milestone that underscores the growing significance of Czechia as a destination for both leisure and business tourism.
Trip Guaranty Group (TGG) and ECTAA,have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing financial protection and consumer confidence within European travel sector. The agreement introduces a new shared activity framework between the two organizations and offers Travel Agents and Tour Operators in Europe improved financial security mechanisms and enhanced service models.
As part of the agreement, TGG will present and offer its innovative travel refund commitment program to ECTAA members. This program enables travel companies to protect their customers in the event of flight and ground service cancellations by offering a buy-back of air tickets and ground services, initiated by the traveler for any reason. This commitment provides customers with confidence and peace of mind at the point of booking, knowing that their funds are protected.
06/01/2026 WTAAA Criticises IATA Decision to Remove Local Remittance Flexibility
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) strongly opposes IATA airlines’ decision to impose a globally standardised, shorter remittance period on travel agents. WTAAA warns that this move undermines local governance and jeopardises collaborative relationships between local airline and travel agent representatives.
In a recent mail vote of the Passenger Agency Conference, IATA airline delegates approved the enforcement of a globally aligned remittance period by mid-2026, eliminating the flexibility for local markets to set alternative dates through their Agency Programme Joint Councils (APJCs). These councils, comprised equally of local airlines and IATA-accredited agents, have historically set billing cycles and remittance timing in line with specific market conditions and the realities of local business relationships.
17/11/2025 Tourism Professionals Convene in Rabat for ECTAA’s 131st Semi-Annual Meeting
Travel agent and tour operator representatives from across Europe gather in Rabat, Morocco, for the semi-annual meeting of ECTAA from 17–18 November 2025 to discuss industry trends and regulatory changes, while also taking the opportunity to explore Morocco—a key destination for many European travelers due to its growing popularity and rich cultural appeal.
ECTAA’s meeting highlights the association’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Euro-Mediterranean tourism ties and promoting Morocco as a leading tourist hub in the region.
Following today’s Plenary vote on the Package Travel Directive (PTD) revision, ECTAA acknowledges progress made but warns that key concerns remain. The association highlights the risk of Single Market fragmentation through diverging prepayment rules and cautions that the new 24-hour definition could create confusion for both consumers and businesses. ECTAA calls on trilogue negotiators to address these issues and ensure a balanced framework that provides strong traveller protection without overburdening SMEs.
The European travel and tourism industry expresses its deep concern over the European Commission’s recent proposal to increase the ETIAS travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20 per application, nearly a threefold increase compared to the original amount agreed in 2018. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to become operational in late 2026, will require visa-exempt non-EU travellers to obtain an online authorisation before entering the EU and pay a fee prior to travelling to the Schengen Area.
One year after adopting the Rhodes Declaration, Europe’s leading tourism and travel organisations are gathering in Gothenburg to renew and strengthen their shared commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. From 7 to 9 July, the 2025 edition of the Rhodes Forum brings together key European stakeholders to assess progress, exchange best practices, and accelerate efforts to decarbonise both leisure and business travel and tourism. Special emphasis is placed on empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting the industry to achieve the green transition. The event is complemented by site visits and engagement with local partners, including the iconic Liseberg Park, offering real-world insights into sustainable tourism in action.
01/07/2025 ECTAA and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) sign a two-year strategic partnership
ECTAA is pleased to announce the conclusion of a two-year strategic partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT). This collaboration further strengthens the close ties between European travel professionals and Morocco – a preferred destination for many key markets such as France, the Benelux countries and Italy. As part of this agreement, ECTAA and ONMT will join forces to promote Morocco as a destination of excellence, not only by highlighting its most iconic locations but also by showcasing lesser-known regions with rich cultural heritage and strong tourism potential. A particular focus will be placed on Morocco’s sustainability initiatives, which are part of an ambitious national strategy to promote responsible tourism.
The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) welcomes the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee vote on the revision of the Package Travel Directive (PTD), which took place today. The adopted report includes several positive simplifications and improvements. However, ECTAA stresses that key concerns remain ahead of the Plenary vote and the upcoming trilogue negotiations.
ECTAA is disappointed and concerned about the European Parliament’s vote in the TRAN Committee in favour of two passenger rights proposals introducing a right to refund of the intermediation fee when a passenger is entitled to a refund of the ticket due to cancellation of the transport service. A right of refund of intermediation fees threatens the viability of travel agents—98% of whom are micro- or small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
24/06/2025 ECTAA and Travel Ledger Join Forces to Promote Payment Strategy for European Travel Industry
ECTAA announces a strategic partnership with Travel Ledger, a leading provider of automated B2B settlement solutions for the travel sector. The collaboration seeks to accelerate the adoption of secure, efficient, and digital payment strategies among travel agents and tour operators across Europe.
ECTAAis holding this week its 2025 Summit, from 2nd to 5th of June in Macao, as part of its partnership of Preferred Destination for 2025 with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). This strategic collaboration aims to intensify tourist flows between Europe and Asia, positioning Macao as a destination of choice for European travellers.
On 18 September 2023, Air Belgium announced it would cease all scheduled passenger flights to focus on cargo and aircraft leasing operations. The airline soon entered judicial reorganisation and, unable to recover, was declared bankrupt on 30 April 2025. As a result, thousands of passengers are unlikely to receive refunds for their cancelled flights, with the remaining claims now part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
04/03/2025 Launch of Fund-Raising Campaign for Ukrainian Children's Summer Camps in Europe
The European travel industry and New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund are coming together to launch a European-wide fund-raising campaign to help organize summer camps for Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing conflict. This project builds on the successful summer camp organized by the Association of Swedish Travel Industry (SRF) in 2024. 43 children aged 8 to 17, accompanied by 5 adults, travelled by coach from Kiev in Ukraine to Stockholm in Sweden for a 10-day adventure exploring cultural landmarks and enjoying recreational activities. This was made possible through the very generous support of industry partners, who offered free accommodation, ferry transport, food, entertainment and other logistical support.
27/02/2025 PTD: A staggering and disconnected report
ECTAA challenges the European Parliament’s draft report on the Package Travel Directive. While the Council adopted a well-balanced position in December 2024, ECTAA strongly objects to the European Parliament’s draft report released on 26 February, arguing that it fails to address any industry concerns and could destabilize the sector.
ECTAA has expressed its astonishment at the draft report by MEP Agius Saliba on the revision of the Package Travel Directive. Described as "staggering and disconnected” from industry realities, the report disregards the serious concerns raised by market players about key aspects of the initial proposal. Rather than improving consumer protection and ensuring the stability of the sector, it represents a missed opportunity for meaningful and balanced reform.
ECTAA successfully hosted the Travel Protection Summit 2025 on 19 February at the Brussels Hilton Grand Place Hotel. The event brought together over 140 travel industry professionals, financial experts, policymakers, and technology providers to address the growing challenges in travel protection, including payment security, regulatory compliance, and insurance complexities.
09/01/2025 ECTAA partners with Macau as its Preferred Destination for 2025
ECTAA and the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) are launching today a year-long joint campaign, showcasing Macau as a remarkable travel destination to ECTAA members and the broader European travel industry.
ECTAA, the European umbrella association representing travel agents and tour operators, and the Macau Government Tourism Office are starting their cooperation to promote Macau as ECTAA’s Preferred Destination for 2025. This partnership underscores the strategic importance of strengthening business and tourism ties between Europe and Asia, fostering mutual growth and collaboration in the global travel industry.
ECTAA will host the second edition of the ECTAA Travel Summit on 19 February 2025, at the Brussels Hilton Grand Place Hotel.
After addressing earlier this year the various aspects of payment in the travel industry, ECTAA is announcing that the 2025 edition of their annual Travel Summit will cover the critical topic of travel protection in both the business-to-business (B2B) and Business of Consumers (B2C) travel ecosystems. This event is set to bring together more than 100 leading industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of travel protection.
10 leading European travel and tourism organisations convened in the European Parliament for a high-level meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard and other Members of the Tourism Task Force, as well as European Commission and EU Member States representatives. This meeting builds on the work initiated in Rhodes earlier this year, continuing efforts to foster collaborative dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers, with a focus on advancing the sector's efforts towards enhanced sustainability, resilience and effective climate change mitigation.
09/12/2024 Airline failure protection raised in the frame of air passenger rights reform
Ministers of several Member States used the discussion on the revision of Regulation 261/2004 on air passenger rights to call for an airline failure protection.
There was an overwhelming support from Ministers at the Transport Council of 5 December to re-open discussions on the legislative proposal reviewing the air passenger rights Regulation, which is blocked in Council since 2013. ECTAA welcomes a review of the air passenger rights legislation and applauds the call from Ministers of the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia to address the long overdue lack of an airline failure protection.
05/12/2024 Passengers on multimodal journeys set to enjoy better rights, but not all passengers equally!
ECTAA expresses deep concern over the Council's general approach, which creates unequal treatment between package travellers and seat-only passengers on multimodal journeys
The Council is set to adopt its general approach on the proposed Regulation for passenger rights in multimodal journeys today. This new regulation aims to protect passengers using multiple modes of transport, such as buses, trains, and planes, as part of one trip. Passengers will gain rights to information, assistance, re-routing, and reimbursement in case of missed connections, depending on their type of ticket.
28/10/24 ECTAA opposes unworkable reimbursement rules in the proposed Passenger Mobility Package
ECTAA met in Sofia on 24-25 October for its Semi-Annual Meeting, where members addressed critical issues within the proposed enforcement of unimodal and new multimodal passenger rights. The passenger mobility package, introduced by the European Commission in November 2023, is under active discussion in the Council of Ministers and will soon be debated in the European Parliament.
24/10/24 ECTAA Semi-Annual Meeting in Sofia to Address Key Challenges in European Tourism
ECTAA is holding its semi-annual meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, today and tomorrow Friday, 25 October 2024. With the presence of Evtim Miloshev, Minister of tourism, Irena Georgieva, Deputy Minister and Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia, this event will gather more than more than 50 delegates from the European travel industry coming from 31 countries to discuss forward-thinking strategies that will shape the future of tourism.
14/06/2024 ECTAA announces Frank Oostdam as President
26/04/2024 Macau becomes the “Preferred Destination” of European Travel Agents and Tour Operators for 2025
With its stunning blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture, world-class resorts, and vibrant nightlife, Macau offers a unique experience for travellers seeking adventure and luxury. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site also adds to its allure, attracting history enthusiasts from around the globe. Good arguments are a many to convince European travellers to come in Macau.
ECTAA is pleased to announce the addition of Mize to its Travel Industry Partner Program. This new partnership marks a significant milestone in ECTAA's mission to foster collaboration and innovation within the travel sector. Mize, known for its innovative solutions and commitment to enhancing customer experiences, brings its knowledge and technological expertise to the program. As a Travel Industry Partner, Mize will play an important role in shaping the future of travel by sharing insights, participating in strategic discussions, and contributing to the development of initiatives aimed at driving the industry forward
09/04/24 Travel and tourism industry unites to tackle climate change
With the EU elections just around the corner, we call on decision-makers to keep travel and tourism high on the political agenda and create dedicated budget lines for sustainable tourism initiatives. The declaration seeks to propel the travel and tourism industry towards a more resilient and sustainable future, while advocating for policy support at the European level.
ECTAA announced today the launch of its Travel Industry Ambassador Programme, a brand new and dedicated initiative designed to present the dynamism and innovation of the travel industry sector by showcasing innovative travel agents and tour operators, who are making a strong contribution to the future of travel. This programme is a response to the critical challenges that the travel sector is currently facing, emphasising the need for collective action and expertise.
ECTAA, the European umbrella organization for travel intermediaries, proudly announces the groundbreaking debut of the Travel Payment Summit set to take place in Brussels on February 21, 2024.
In a revolutionary move, ECTAA is bringing together the brightest minds in travel and payments, including EU policymakers and stakeholders, for a dynamic event aimed at unraveling the intricate world of travel payments. Whether in the realm of B2C or B2B, the way we transact has a profound impact on risk management, shapes the travel ecosystem, and is intricately connected to customer experiences.
Hiseas International GmbH and the Chengdu Tourism Studies Association have announced their alliance as affiliated members of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), signaling a commitment to foster increased travel and tourism connectivity between China and Europe. This collaboration aims to streamline operations for businesses and enhance travel experiences for tourists across both regions.
ECTAA and the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria agree today on a collaborative campaign aimed at promoting Bulgaria as an exceptional travel destination to ECTAA members and beyond.
With an enticing amalgamation of allure, cultural heritage, historical richness, seamless transportation links and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Bulgaria is crafting an unparalleled experience for every traveller. As ECTAA Preferred Destination 2024, the Ministry of Tourism will be able to present the extensive offerings of the country to about 80.000 European travel professionals, encouraging them to consider Bulgaria as the premier choice for their clientele.
ECTAA and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) proudly mark a year of unprecedented collaboration fostering sustainable tourism in Greece. Amidst the challenges faced, the organizations have spearheaded initiatives aimed at elevating Greece as a top destination while championing environmental consciousness and sustainable practices within the industry.
The year 2023 witnessed a series of milestone achievements resulting from the joint efforts between ECTAA and GNTO. One of the pivotal events included two online roundtables themed "Greening the Greek Experience," with industry leaders shedding the light on current sustainable measures within the Greek tourism landscape.
22/12/23 Greek Tourism Achieves Record-breaking Year, Focusing on Sustainable Growth
Greece's tourism sector marks an extraordinary milestone in 2023, demonstrating a robust resurgence to pre-pandemic levels and signalling a prosperous trajectory for the nation's tourism industry. Building upon the success of an already impressive 2022, this year stands as a testament to Greece's resilience and commitment to sustainable growth, as revealed by recent data.
ECTAA and Latvia’s Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) celebrate a successful year of cooperation to promote in Latvia towards travel companies.
During one year, European travel companies have benefited from a promotion campaign organized by their European umbrella organisation and the agency in charge of promoting Latvia. At stake? A better knowledge about Latvia as a destination for both business and leisure travellers.