Package Travel: Definition and Explanation for Tilburg Residents
As a Tilburg resident, you often book a package travel from Eindhoven Airport—a combination of at least two tourist services, such as a flight and hotel, offered by a single travel organizer for the same destination. This rule is set out in the Dutch Civil Code and provides strong consumer protections. Learn when your trip qualifies as package travel and what safeguards apply to you, with advice from the Juridisch Loket Tilburg.
Legal Definition of Package Travel
Since 1 July 2018, Book 7, Title 3A of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), particularly Article 7:481(1) DCC, defines package travel. This aligns with the EU Package Travel Directive (2015/2302) for enhanced consumer protection for residents like you in Tilburg.
Package travel includes at least two different tourist services for a single trip purpose, lasting at least 24 hours or involving an overnight stay. Requirements:
- Sold at a single combined price.
- Selected through one travel organizer, for example via a single website or travel agency in Tilburg.
- Duration of at least 24 hours or including an overnight stay.
Tourist services include, among others, transport, accommodation (not business trips), car rental, or attractions (if they account for more than 25% of the price).
What Exactly Are Tourist Services?
Article 7:481(2) DCC lists them. Overview for Tilburg vacationers:
- Passenger transport: flight from Eindhoven, train, bus, or boat.
- Accommodation: hotel, apartment, cruise, or campsite (not work-related).
- Car rental: car or motorbike for up to 1 month.
- Other services: meals, tours, or tickets, if they exceed 25% of the price and are linked.
Example: Flight (transport) + hotel always forms package travel, even when booked through a Tilburg travel agency.
Practical Examples for Tilburg Residents
Consider a sun holiday from Tilburg:
- Package travel: At D-reizen Tilburg, you book a flight from Eindhoven Airport plus an all-inclusive hotel for €1,200. Two services, one organizer.
- Edge case: Hotel via Booking.com and flight with KLM on the same site. Single price and single handler? Then it's package travel.
- Not package travel: Separate Ryanair flight from Eindhoven and hotel booked elsewhere, paid separately: limited protection.
A train trip to Antwerp with a hotel is package travel. Cruises often combine transport, accommodation, and meals.
Package Travel vs. Individual Bookings
Key for your rights in Tilburg. Comparison:
| Aspect | Package Travel | Individual Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ≥2 services, single price, one organizer | Each service separately |
| Protection | Full Package Travel Directive rules, information, liability, SGR | Consumer rights per service |
| Price Guarantee | Limited adjustments | Rules vary by provider |
| Example | Flight Eindhoven + hotel via TUI | Flight easyJet, hotel Airbnb |
Your Rights and Obligations for Package Travel
Consumer Rights
As a Tilburg resident, you benefit from robust protection under the Package Travel Directive:
- Information duty: Clear trip details including price and terms (Art. 7:484 DCC).
- Price stability: Adjustments limited, max. 8% for unforeseen circumstances (Art. 7:500 DCC).
- Cancellation: Free before departure for significant issues; pro rata after departure.
- Liability: Organizer responsible for everything (Art. 7:514 DCC).
- SGR fund: Insolvency protection.
Organizer's Duties
Must provide accurate information, safety, and proper execution. For shortfalls: remedy or discount (Arts. 7:508-510 DCC). Disputes? To the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda.
FAQs for Tilburg
Is a last-minute from Eindhoven always package travel?
No, only if ≥2 services via one provider. Standalone ticket: no; with hotel: yes.
Booking via Tilburg travel agency and online?
Yes, under one contract: full protection.
Does car rental count?
Yes, transport + car = package travel.
Cancellation due to corona-like situations?
Full refund or voucher within 14 days (Art. 7:503 DCC).
Tips for Tilburg Travelers
Avoid hassle:
- Check travel terms before booking.
- Choose SGR/ANVR members. For questions: Juridisch Loket Tilburg or Gemeente Tilburg travel advice.