The German Federal Government has addressed consumer rights pertaining to package holidays in light of the escalating effects of climate change in the Mediterranean region. According to a response from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to a parliamentary inquiry by the Green Party, travelers have the right to withdraw from a package tour contract at any time before the journey commences.
The ministry explained that upon withdrawal, the travel operator loses the claim for the agreed-upon travel price, but may be entitled to reasonable compensation. However, this does not apply if the cancellation is due to unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances at the destination or in its immediate vicinity that significantly impair the execution of the package tour or transportation.
Should the travel price already have been paid in full or in part, the travel operator is obligated to promptly refund the payments received, within a maximum of 14 days. The same principle applies if the travel operator cancels the package tour due to unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances preventing fulfillment of the contract.
Recent climate-related events in the Mediterranean have included temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, wildfires, drought, water scarcity and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms. The ministry’s response directs travelers to resources such as the Robert Koch Institute and travel advisories issued by the Federal Foreign Office for relevant information.
Regarding the forthcoming national tourism strategy, the ministry remained tight-lipped on whether it would incorporate specific recommendations for travelers concerning climate change. It did note, however, that the national climate adaptation strategy is applicable to the tourism sector.
Green Party representative Stefan Schmidt voiced criticism, stating that the government is failing to adequately address the needs of travelers and the tourism industry in the face of climate change consequences. He argued that the response to the parliamentary inquiry demonstrates a disregard for both the increasing economic risks within the travel sector and the growing health risks for tourists.