site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria's Interest to Be Protected in Context of Package Travel Directive Revision

Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh Thursday said his Ministry would act together with Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov (EPP/GERB) regarding proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive. Eric Dresin, Secretary General of the  European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA), will join the battle, Borshosh said on Facebook.

"We will defend Bulgaria's interests in the EU. It is important for the Bulgarian tourism industry to remain competitive and flexible, while regulations take into account the real needs of both businesses and travellers," Borshosh said, referring to discussions in the European Parliament on revisions to the Directive.

One of the key points on which Bulgaria is insisting on changes is the scrapping of a cap on advance payments and a ban on demanding payment of the remaining amount earlier than 28 days before travel. The proposed amendments insert a new article on payments, which provides that, "in principle, downpayments may not exceed 25% of the package price and that the remaining payments may not be due earlier than 28 days before the start of the package. However, higher downpayments may be requested where this is necessary to ensure the organization and performance of the package. This article does not apply to packages booked less than 28 days before the start of the package." These proposals are crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises, which provide a large share of the country's tourism services, the Ministry said.

Another important aspect for Bulgaria is the regulation of the cancellation rights of travellers when there are official travel warnings from state authorities. The Tourism Ministry and Novakov argue that such warnings should be recognized as a valid reason for the termination of a contract if they arise after a package has been booked.

Borshosh has met with Dresin who stated ECTAA's support for talks leading to a balanced version of the Directive which safeguards travellers' rights while taking business specifics into account.

In a February statement from, the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents (ABTTA), the sole Bulgarian representative in ECTAA, voiced concerns about certain aspects of the revised Directive that could place an excessive burden on the tourism industry. First, the inclusion of personal and subjective reasons for cancelling package services requires clarification as it could lead to contract terminations without payment of any termination fee. Second, the provisions expanding consumer protection in cases of insolvency need to be refined, as ambiguities could pose difficulties for tour operators and cause disruptions for travellers.