"ANAV welcomes the progress made in negotiations between the European Parliament and the European Council regarding the revision of the Package Travel Directive, but warns of the need to ensure a balance between consumer protection and the economic sustainability of travel agencies in Portugal," according to Notícias ao Minuto.

Benefits

In the same statement, ANAV identifies the main advantages of the new directive:

Reinforced traveller confidence - "new reimbursement and insolvency protection mechanisms can increase security and, consequently, demand among travel agencies";

European harmonization - "clearer and more uniform rules allow for greater legal predictability, especially for agencies operating in different markets within the European Union";

Clarity in contractual relationships - "greater legal certainty in defining packages and in the obligations of suppliers, such as hotels and airlines."

"We believe that the revision of the Directive will bring benefits to consumers and will help strengthen confidence in the sector. However, it is essential that the transposition into national legislation be carried out in a balanced manner, ensuring that travel agencies, especially small and medium-sized companies that make up the majority of the sector in Portugal, are not burdened with disproportionate costs and responsibilities," said Miguel Quintas, president of ANAV.

Risks

These are the main risks identified by ANAV:

Increased operating costs - "stricter requirements in terms of insurance, guarantee funds, and refund periods may represent significant burdens, especially for micro and small agencies";

Impact on cash flow - "the new rules on cancellations and vouchers, while protective of consumers, may generate financial instability for companies";

Extended liability - "the broader definition of 'package tour' may expose smaller agencies to more complex obligations, previously uncommon in the Portuguese market."

ANAV assures that it "will closely monitor the process of transposing the directive into Portuguese law, providing technical and legal support to associated agencies."

"The association will also strengthen dialogue with national authorities to ensure compensation or adaptation support measures, particularly in terms of training, insurance, and digital innovation".