Menu
27/08/2009
EU To 'Protect' Independent Tourists
A new EU initiative to provide better levels of protection for tourists left behind by airline collapses will be announced in Galway later today.
EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva - who has been battling with airlines on a number of issues - said existing EU directives "do not provide sufficient safeguards" as the number of people who now make their own independent holiday arrangements increases.
Ms Kuneva said traditional package holidays booked from brochures through travel agents have "gold-plated protection" under EU laws introduced in the 1990s, but this protection doesn't extend to those who have made their own arrangements, such as cancelled flights and disputes with hotels or car hire firms.
Many people now use the Internet to separately book airline tickets, hotel accommodation and car hire.
According to the Commissioner, 56% of holidaymakers across the EU and 46% in Ireland now organise their holidays in this way.
They are not covered by the basic consumer rights in the original EU directive.
In the UK in 1997, 98% of passengers on holiday flights were protected, but this had fallen to 36% by 2005.
(DW/BMcc)
EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva - who has been battling with airlines on a number of issues - said existing EU directives "do not provide sufficient safeguards" as the number of people who now make their own independent holiday arrangements increases.
Ms Kuneva said traditional package holidays booked from brochures through travel agents have "gold-plated protection" under EU laws introduced in the 1990s, but this protection doesn't extend to those who have made their own arrangements, such as cancelled flights and disputes with hotels or car hire firms.
Many people now use the Internet to separately book airline tickets, hotel accommodation and car hire.
According to the Commissioner, 56% of holidaymakers across the EU and 46% in Ireland now organise their holidays in this way.
They are not covered by the basic consumer rights in the original EU directive.
In the UK in 1997, 98% of passengers on holiday flights were protected, but this had fallen to 36% by 2005.
(DW/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 March 2002
CCTV operators warned on Data Protection Act compliance
Northern Ireland organisations using Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance cameras may be in danger of being penalised thousands of pounds worth of fines for not complying with Data Protection legislation.
CCTV operators warned on Data Protection Act compliance
Northern Ireland organisations using Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance cameras may be in danger of being penalised thousands of pounds worth of fines for not complying with Data Protection legislation.
16 April 2002
Retail sales register strong growth during March
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that the UK's retail sales recorded their strongest growth in six years during March, according to the latest figures. The BRC said like-for-like sales rose by 7.5 per cent compared to the previous year, while vibrant shopping during the Easter holiday weekend helped sustain the numbers.
Retail sales register strong growth during March
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that the UK's retail sales recorded their strongest growth in six years during March, according to the latest figures. The BRC said like-for-like sales rose by 7.5 per cent compared to the previous year, while vibrant shopping during the Easter holiday weekend helped sustain the numbers.
15 March 2002
Data Protection Act needs further "clarification"
The government has been called on to clarify the provisions of the Data Protection Act in relation to information held by employers. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) made the appeal after the first consultation document on employee relations was issued.
Data Protection Act needs further "clarification"
The government has been called on to clarify the provisions of the Data Protection Act in relation to information held by employers. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) made the appeal after the first consultation document on employee relations was issued.
19 August 2015
NI Food Festival To Take Place Over Bank Holiday Weekend
A new food festival will take place this August Bank Holiday weekend, in a celebration of the life of one of Northern Ireland's most acclaimed dramatists. 'New Norths' is a food festival with a difference, taking its influence from the cuisine of Ireland, Scandinavia and Russia, as well as the life and works of Brian Friel.
NI Food Festival To Take Place Over Bank Holiday Weekend
A new food festival will take place this August Bank Holiday weekend, in a celebration of the life of one of Northern Ireland's most acclaimed dramatists. 'New Norths' is a food festival with a difference, taking its influence from the cuisine of Ireland, Scandinavia and Russia, as well as the life and works of Brian Friel.
10 December 2002
Holiday home owners may face tax hit warns PwC
A recent House of Lords ruling could mean that many owners of overseas holiday homes will face an unexpected tax hit, according to accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The Lords ruling is designed to close a loophole where UK residents, who own property abroad, often buy their home through an offshore company.
Holiday home owners may face tax hit warns PwC
A recent House of Lords ruling could mean that many owners of overseas holiday homes will face an unexpected tax hit, according to accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The Lords ruling is designed to close a loophole where UK residents, who own property abroad, often buy their home through an offshore company.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
