Abta has welcomed comments by the EU commissioner for consumer policy that the shift to booking hotels and flights online has led to a decline in protection for customers.

Commissioner John Dalli told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the shift to consumers booking DIY packages online had resulted in an uneven playing field for travel agents.

He reminded Euro-MPs that agents selling traditional packages were subject to strict regulations that did not apply to many airlines and other companies providing flights and holiday components online.

Dalli was giving Euro-MPs an update on the EU’s consultation about reforming the 1990 Package Travel Directive.

He said the revised directive could cover holidays put together by the consumer from the same website or from a link to a partner website.

However, it is unlikely the review will cover separate bookings where the consumer buys different components from different sellers that are not linked.

A high level of protection is key to ensure consumer confidence and to provide a level playing field for travel businesses, Dalli said.

He added that he hoped to present a new proposal later this year.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said he was “encouraged” that the EU had taken notice of the association’s submissions to the consultation process.

“Particularly welcome is the concern raised by both the Commission and Euro-MPs for airline insolvency to be covered by European law. For too long airlines have been allowed to trade without protecting the monies they take from consumers in advance of travel.

“This puts consumers at risk of financial loss and places tour operators at a significant competitive disadvantage. The planned extension of the scope of the directive has long been our priority,” he said.

Tanzer will join Abta’s  head of public affairs Luke Pollard on a visit to Brussels next week to press the association’s case.