Displaying items by tag: package travel regulations
Consumer protection – myth busting
MPI Brokers examines the confusing landscape of consumer financial protection and what travel companies and customers should know and do.
Brexit – a big unknown but no immediate change
Implications that the UK's decision to leave the European Union may have for skiers and the ski industry are a big unknown, says MPI Managing Director, Michael Pettifer.
Speaking recently at two trade events – Ski Launch and Listex – he said no immediate change was likely, other than the fall in the value of the pound.
"This will eventually filter through to increased insurance premiums. But there tends to be a lag effect, and it may be next year before premiums rise," he said.
"The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is the big unknown – particularly as it is an EEA matter, rather than an EU one. It remains to be seen how this wil be dealt with.
"Should the EHIC right be lost, we will see a significant rise in rates for those travelling to Europe. However, nothing will happen for at least the next two years."
He also reminded holiday companies of their duty, under the Package Travel Regulations, to 'signpost' suitable travel insurance.
"We do not expect any change in this rule when the new regulations become law in 2017.
"But the industry needs to start planning for this over the next six months as more travel companies that are currently exempt may have to comply from next year."
Signposting' – key responsibility for holiday companies
Speaking at Ski-Launch, the ski industry’s annual trade and media presentation in London, MPI Managing Director Michael Pettifer said the Package Travel Regulations – enshrined in UK law since 1992 – oblige ski and holiday companies to 'point' their customers to a suitable travel insurance.
Quoting from Holiday Law by Stephen Mason, he said:"Regulation 8 makes it a criminal offence, if the travel company does not ‘signpost’ customers to a suitable travel insurance."
He also said: "If the new Package Travel Regulations, which are due in 2017, become law we do not expect any changes to this clause.
"MPI will be pleased to give more advice, including an appraisal on booking conditions to which this relates."