Latest news with #ECTAA
Euronews
4 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Travel sector slams proposed ETIAS fee hike as ‘disproportionate'
European aviation and travel group bosses have criticised the proposed increase in the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee from €7 to €20. A joint statement from travel industry leaders, including the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA), European Tourism Association, Airlines for Europe (A4E) said the price hike was disproportionate and a threat to the continent's travel competitiveness. 'This increase appears disproportionate and runs counter to the original intention of the co-legislators (European Parliament and Council), who agreed to a modest and reasonable fee during the 2018 negotiations – a key outcome supported by the travel and tourism sector,' the statement reads. They highlighted concerns about fairness and pointed out that although the fee increase may be small on its own, it would add to escalating costs for families. This is especially as overnight taxes have also soared in several popular European cities, such as Barcelona, Venice and Lisbon. The ETIAS fee increase poses 'another cost and administrative burden on travellers, with little noticeable benefit to the user experience', according to Patrick Diemer, chair of BT4Europe, as reported by Business Travel News. He added: 'We support secure, efficient entry systems, but only where they deliver real value to travellers and businesses alike. This fee hike sends the wrong signal.' The ETIAS is likely to start operating late next year, requiring visa-exempt non-EU travellers from countries like US, UK, Brazil, Canada and Australia to get an online authorisation before travelling to the EU. Lack of transparency and insufficient evidence for fee hike The ETIAS fee increase also comes as the European travel and tourism sector faces ongoing challenges caused by high inflation, geopolitical instability and soaring operational costs. Travel industry leaders raised concerns about the lack of transparency around the proposed figure and questioned whether other pricing models, such as €10 or €12 had been sufficiently considered. 'At present, insufficient evidence has been offered to justify that such a fee level is necessary for the operation and maintenance of ETIAS,' said the statement. The EU has cited higher operational costs for this price jump and emphasised that it will also help it better align with international travel standards. The hike is expected to help pay for ongoing maintenance, new technical features and operational staffing. This will include stronger encryption, upgraded automation and better coordination with other EU travel systems such as the Entry/Exit System (EES). Travel associations slammed using other travel authorisation schemes such as the UK ETA as justification for the ETIAS, saying: 'Fee decisions should reflect the actual operational needs of the EU system and be fully justified. They should not aim to align with unrelated schemes without clear rationale and legal basis.' They are calling for an impact assessment by the European Commission, justifying the proposed fee hike with a thorough cost breakdown.. The Council and European Parliament have also been urged to implement a more evidence-based and proportionate fee.
Morocco World
09-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONMT Partners with European Travel Association to Boost Moroccan Tourism
Rabat — Morocco's National Tourism Office (ONMT) has signed a strategic partnership with the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) to strengthen the country's position as a leading destination in the European travel market. Through joint organization of various B2B events, communication campaigns, and study days with ECTAA, the tourism office will now gain access to ECTAA's network of approximately 80,000 European travel companies. A statement from ECTAA noted that Morocco already enjoys popularity as a travel destination, particularly in the Benelux market (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). The ONMT maintains a strong presence in the Belgian market, as the country served as the 'Host Country' for the Travel Awards last year, an event that brought together nearly 1,000 Belgian travel professionals. Earlier this year, ONMT partnered with YelloSun to organize a sports tourism trip where about 20 travel European agents ran the Marrakech half-marathon. In the statement, ECTAA's Secretary General Eric Drésin described Morocco as 'a reliable and inspiring partner' and 'the natural gateway to Africa.' The collaboration aims to promote both iconic sites and lesser-known regions, with a focus on 'sustainable travel' — one of Morocco's national pillars. The partnership is designed to help Morocco expand its reach across European markets while paving the way for responsible tourism practices that align with the country's commitment to sustainable development in the tourism sector. ONMT has been putting in robust efforts to promote Morocco as a leading destination for tourism in the African continent. The country recently held an all-hands meeting that gathered executives from headquarters and international offices, in a move to enhance managerial performance. The meeting signals a shift in how Morocco aims to tackle tourism ambitions and better prepare for international competitions, particularly the 2025 AFCON and 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
ECTAA and Macao strengthen tourism ties between Europe and Asia
ECTAA's 2025 Summit in Macao strengthens Europe-Asia tourism ties, fostering partnerships, promoting Macao, and addressing evolving traveler expectations. MACAO – ECTAA, the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association, is holding this week its 2025 Summit, from 2nd to 5th of June in Macao, as part of its partnership of Preferred Destination for 2025 with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). This strategic collaboration aims to intensify tourist flows between Europe and Asia, positioning Macao as a destination of choice for European travellers. The meeting is taking place at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort and brought together leaders of European travel agencies, representatives of national associations from across Europe, as well as institutional partners and local authorities. The presence of Mrs Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the MGTO, and Mr Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, demonstrate the territory's strong commitment to diversifying its international customer base and strengthening cooperation with European markets. One of the highlights of the meeting will be a round table discussion on tourism opportunities between Europe and Asia, focusing on new market dynamics. The speakers – Frank Gulin, Tiago Brito, Nigel Wong and Mary Huang, from European national tourism organisations, Asian professional associations and the private sector – will share their vision of the changes underway: the rise of independent travel, the search for authentic cultural experiences, growing demands for sustainability, and the need for European destinations to adapt their communication to the new expectations of Asian travellers. The discussions should show a convergence of interests: on the one hand, European destinations keen to win back the Chinese market; on the other, Asian destinations seeking to diversify their customer base and raise their profile in Europe. 'Cooperation between Europe and Asia in the travel sector is obvious, but it requires a new approach based on better mutual understanding, tailored products and concrete collaboration between professionals,' said Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA in a press conference. 'The partnership with Macao illustrates this desire to go beyond intentions and create real connections between markets.' Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, remarked at the same occasion that 'it is a great opportunity for Macao to welcome this significant group of the European tourism industry, especially now that a new wave of tourism development is emerging, highlighting that travel agencies are key partners that MGTO wants to work with to continue to increase visitor flows from Europe.' I The meeting is also providing an opportunity for a B2B session between 30 European delegates and more than 50 local companies, facilitating the emergence of new business partnerships. Although Europe is not yet one of Macao's main source markets, this partnership aims to reverse this trend. With a high-end hotel offering (150 establishments, 24 Forbes 5-star hotels by 2025), a rich cultural heritage, an internationally recognised gastronomic scene (UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), and a solid tourism infrastructure, Macao has all the assets to attract a demanding European clientele.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Air Belgium has gone bankrupt, and thousands of passengers are unlikely to get refunds
A travel agency group is calling for EU law to be changed after a Belgian airline was liquidated last month, leaving 'thousands unlikely to receive refunds', and putting the financial burden on travel intermediaries. Air Belgium, a cargo airline that used to run passenger flights, has been taken over by a shipping company after the company fell into financial hardship and was liquidated. The airline announced on 30 April that a business court has approved CMA CGM group, which has deals in sea, land and air logistics, to take over the airline's cargo operations. As a result, the airline was placed into liquidation by the same court that approved the takeover. CMA CGM will continue to focus Air Belgium's activities on air freight, meaning 124 jobs, including 74 pilots, will be preserved. Meanwhile, other travel industry players have been left unsatisfied by how Air Belgium's bankruptcy was handled. The European Travel Agents' And Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) released a statement on 15 May demanding urgent airline insolvency protection, claiming the bankruptcy has exposed travel agents, tour operators and customers to millions in losses. The association said the liquidation of Air Belgium has 'left nearly €8 million in outstanding passenger refund claims, of which more than €5 million was sold through travel intermediaries (travel agents and tour operators).' The airline initially ceased all scheduled passenger flights in September 2023 and shifted towards cargo and charter operations. At the time, Air Belgium said that passengers who had flights cancelled would be reimbursed 'as a matter of priority in the scope of the proceedings.' However, now that Air Belgium has gone bankrupt, the ECTAA said 'thousands of passengers are unlikely to receive refunds for their cancelled flights, with the remaining claims now part of the bankruptcy proceedings.' In a statement on the company's liquidation, Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, said: 'Of course, we would have preferred a different outcome for our passenger operations, which impacted some of our employees and customers. 'However, this transfer was the only viable option after all other rescue paths were explored.' The ECTAA explains that when a travel intermediary sells a flight ticket as part of a package and the airline goes bankrupt, the package organiser is required by law to provide an alternative ticket to customers. However, there is no real prospect of recovering the original funds from the insolvent airline. 'This places an unfair financial burden on travel intermediaries, who are left to absorb the losses caused by airline failures,' it said. Air Belgium's liquidation has coincided with the Council of the European Union's recent discussions around the revision of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation. Due to this, the ECTAA is currently seizing the moment and urging policymakers to include measures guaranteeing the refund of ticket prices when flights are cancelled due to an airline ceasing operations or going bankrupt. Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA, said: 'The Air Belgium bankruptcy is yet another stark reminder that the current system leaves both consumers and travel intermediaries exposed to unacceptable risks. 'Airlines must be required to provide financial guarantees to cover their liabilities in case of insolvency.' Mr Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, also explained why Air Belgium has struggled to survive and its move to being taken over by the shipping giant. 'Since its creation, Air Belgium has had to face a series of challenges, including several years of global crises brought on by COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and others,' he said. 'The company took every necessary measure and did all it could to ensure its survival, despite the many obstacles. I am extremely proud of our staff for their loyalty, expertise, energy, and unwavering commitment. 'This is exactly what CMA CGM Group recognised in choosing to trust us with this takeover. CMA CGM is a dynamic and ambitious group with a strong position in the market. I believe our team will be an added strength.' 'The successful completion of this transfer was also made possible thanks to the cooperation of all stakeholders, including trade unions, the relevant Belgian authorities, suppliers and clients.' 'The preservation of jobs linked to cargo operations and the development of freight activities from our country offer encouraging prospects for the future and represent good news for the Belgian aviation sector.' The UK's Civil Aviation Authority states that if you have booked flights or a trip that includes flights with a travel firm that holds an Atol (Air Travel Organiser's Licence), the travel firm is responsible for your flight arrangements. It must either make alternative flights available for you so that your trip can continue or provide a full refund. If you are abroad, you should make arrangements to bring yourself home at the end of your trip. In terms of travel insurance, airline financial failure or insolvency is rarely included on most policies, so it is important to check if your package is Atol protected. The Independent has contacted Air Belgium for comment.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Air Belgium has gone bankrupt, and thousands of passengers are unlikely to get refunds
A travel agency group is calling for EU law to be changed after a Belgian airline was liquidated last month, leaving 'thousands unlikely to receive refunds', and putting the financial burden on travel intermediaries. Air Belgium, a cargo airline that used to run passenger flights, has been taken over by a shipping company after the company fell into financial hardship and was liquidated. The airline announced on 30 April that a business court has approved CMA CGM group, which has deals in sea, land and air logistics, to take over the airline's cargo operations. As a result, the airline was placed into liquidation by the same court that approved the takeover. CMA CGM will continue to focus Air Belgium's activities on air freight, meaning 124 jobs, including 74 pilots, will be preserved. Meanwhile, other travel industry players have been left unsatisfied by how Air Belgium's bankruptcy was handled. The European Travel Agents' And Tour Operators ' Association (ECTAA) released a statement on 15 May demanding urgent airline insolvency protection, claiming the bankruptcy has exposed travel agents, tour operators and customers to millions in losses. The association said the liquidation of Air Belgium has 'left nearly €8 million in outstanding passenger refund claims, of which more than €5 million was sold through travel intermediaries (travel agents and tour operators).' The airline initially ceased all scheduled passenger flights in September 2023 and shifted towards cargo and charter operations. At the time, Air Belgium said that passengers who had flights cancelled would be reimbursed 'as a matter of priority in the scope of the proceedings.' However, now that Air Belgium has gone bankrupt, the ECTAA said 'thousands of passengers are unlikely to receive refunds for their cancelled flights, with the remaining claims now part of the bankruptcy proceedings.' In a statement on the company's liquidation, Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, said: 'Of course, we would have preferred a different outcome for our passenger operations, which impacted some of our employees and customers. 'However, this transfer was the only viable option after all other rescue paths were explored.' The ECTAA explains that when a travel intermediary sells a flight ticket as part of a package and the airline goes bankrupt, the package organiser is required by law to provide an alternative ticket to customers. However, there is no real prospect of recovering the original funds from the insolvent airline. 'This places an unfair financial burden on travel intermediaries, who are left to absorb the losses caused by airline failures,' it said. Air Belgium's liquidation has coincided with the Council of the European Union's recent discussions around the revision of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation. Due to this, the ECTAA is currently seizing the moment and urging policymakers to include measures guaranteeing the refund of ticket prices when flights are cancelled due to an airline ceasing operations or going bankrupt. Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA, said: 'The Air Belgium bankruptcy is yet another stark reminder that the current system leaves both consumers and travel intermediaries exposed to unacceptable risks. 'Airlines must be required to provide financial guarantees to cover their liabilities in case of insolvency.' Mr Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, also explained why Air Belgium has struggled to survive and its move to being taken over by the shipping giant. 'Since its creation, Air Belgium has had to face a series of challenges, including several years of global crises brought on by COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and others,' he said. 'The company took every necessary measure and did all it could to ensure its survival, despite the many obstacles. I am extremely proud of our staff for their loyalty, expertise, energy, and unwavering commitment. 'This is exactly what CMA CGM Group recognised in choosing to trust us with this takeover. CMA CGM is a dynamic and ambitious group with a strong position in the market. I believe our team will be an added strength.' 'The successful completion of this transfer was also made possible thanks to the cooperation of all stakeholders, including trade unions, the relevant Belgian authorities, suppliers and clients.' 'The preservation of jobs linked to cargo operations and the development of freight activities from our country offer encouraging prospects for the future and represent good news for the Belgian aviation sector.' The UK's Civil Aviation Authority states that if you have booked flights or a trip that includes flights with a travel firm that holds an Atol (Air Travel Organiser's Licence), the travel firm is responsible for your flight arrangements. It must either make alternative flights available for you so that your trip can continue or provide a full refund. If you are abroad, you should make arrangements to bring yourself home at the end of your trip. In terms of travel insurance, airline financial failure or insolvency is rarely included on most policies, so it is important to check if your package is Atol protected.
