CTA is working through the TIER group, along with other organisations including ABTA and BCH, to urgently request that the government temporarily relax some of the obligations under the Package Travel Directive in respect of refunds to customers in the event of tour cancellation. The organisations are arguing that since these are extraordinary events, there is a case for relaxing the PTD requirement to make a cash refund to customers within 14 days and to enable refund credit vouchers as an acceptable alternative.

It should be stressed that, at the time of writing, this has not yet been approved by government but ABTA has issued advice to customers on its website outlining this proposed measure and asking customers to await further guidance on this and to be patient with tour operators who are experiencing an unprecedented number of enquiries.

We will keep CTA members informed on any developments.

https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak