Response of the Ministry of Commerce to the Cyprus Consumers Association for the Law on Organized Travel and what happens to the Association of Travel Agents that acts as an “approved body”.
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Specifically in relation to the announcement of the Cyprus Consumers Association for the Law on Organized Travel and Connected Travel Settlements (2017) and the claims of the Association in relation to the approval granted to the Association of Travel Agents to act as “authorized body” current legislation, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry wishes to clarify the following:
How the Ministry responds
1. As can be seen from the reading of articles of the law, due to the breadth of the organizations that have the right to submit a relevant application to act as an “approved body” (any company, association, club, institution, association or association of travel organizers, sellers and travel agents agents), we consider it impossible to “photograph” a specific organization.
2. Regarding the request of the Association for amendment of the relevant legislation in relation to who can be applied in order to act as an approved body, the position of the Ministry remains that the approved body should possess the necessary know-how and ability, so that be able, immediately and effectively, when an organizer becomes insolvent to take the actions required by law for effective consumer protection, in order, inter alia, to ensure the continuation of packages and the repatriation of travelers, as well as overnight accommodation and meals and other needs of travelers abroad.
3. In relation to the complaint made by the Cyprus Consumers' Association regarding the violation of the law by submitting guarantees of lower value, the competent Consumer Protection Service conducts the appropriate investigation and in case the complaint is correct, the provisions of the law will be applied. A relevant announcement will be issued once the investigation is completed.
4. The Ministry categorically rejects, first, the claim of the Cyprus Consumers Association that it is aware of the Ministry that the currently appointed approved body does not implement its obligations and, second, the suspicions of tolerance of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry. in matters of corruption. The Minister, finally, invites the Association to submit any information in its possession regarding these allegations.
