site.btaTourism Guarantee Fund to Protect Consumer Rights Proposed in Parliament’s Programme

The creation of a Tourism Guarantee Fund to protect consumer rights is included in Parliament’s weekly legislative agenda, published on the National Assembly’s website on Wednesday.

The proposal, introduced by Desislav Taskov of BSP-United Left and a group of MPs, is part of a bill amending the Tourism Act. The amendments aim to establish a Tourism Guarantee Fund to ensure consumer protection and align national legislation with Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements.

The Fund will safeguard consumer rights in the event of a tour operator’s insolvency by guaranteeing refunds in cases of early termination of travel contracts.

It is proposed that the Fund be managed by a seven-member Management Board, including a chairperson appointed by the Minister of Tourism; one representative nominated by the Minister of Finance; one by the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission; and four members proposed by industry associations registered in the National Tourism Register. The mandate of the board members will be four years.