Which? response to the Department for Business and Trade consultation on Package travel - updating the framework 2025

Which? welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) consultation on ‘Package Travel - Updating the Framework 2025’. 

On the basis of our experience of advising consumers and promoting good practice in the package travel sector1, we would suggest that the changes to the Package Travel Regulations (‘PTRs’) proposed in this consultation are incompatible with the Government’s stated intention to ‘retain key safeguards of consumer protection that underpin the PTRs while making the most of the opportunity to reshape the regime, so it supports growth in the sector and greater consumer choice’. 

Firstly, the fundamental aims and positive impact of the PTRs for consumers should not be weakened or undermined. The PTRs are not just a ‘travel sector’ measure, but also a key consumer protection enactment, as reflected in the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, including for the purposes of the enhanced consumer enforcement regime for public enforcers. Therefore it is fundamental that the government ensures that any changes to these important protections build on their primary objective to provide a high level of consumer protection, and effectively safeguard and empower UK travellers. 

In order to realise the Government’s intentions effectively, we believe that the evidence shows the pressing need for a more comprehensive exercise, including wider reforms to improve the enforcement of travellers’ rights. There is no case for rushed deregulatory measures through the use of powers under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (‘REUL’ Act) or otherwise. We nevertheless agree with the ultimate objective to simplify, update and streamline the Package Travel Regulations (‘PTRs’) where possible in the interests of consumers and businesses, and are responding to the questions below with that in mind.