UNAV-Fetave calls for legal framework to protect travelers and agencies during crises

The Spanish travel association UNAV-Fetave is calling for a new legal framework to better protect both travelers and travel agencies during tourism crises. During a seminar organized by the Tourism Section of the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM), association president César Gutiérrez advocated for an equitable distribution of responsibilities and risks across the entire travel service chain, alongside permanent coordination mechanisms with government administrations.

María Dolores Serrano, Legal Director of UNAV-Fetave, emphasized the importance of a legal structure that is “clear, proportionate, and viable” for tourism companies. She highlighted the role of combined travel packages as a vital protection tool for consumers facing extraordinary circumstances such as pandemics, conflicts, or natural disasters. These packages provide essential guarantees, including refunds, traveler assistance, insolvency protection, and repatriation.

The discussions also addressed the need for regulatory revisions to clarify the rights of consumers and the specific obligations of organizers and marketers, particularly in instances where a crisis impacts multiple countries.