A significant shift in the legal landscape of the tourism industry is set to take place on March 1, 2027, with the implementation of a new law aimed at clarifying the roles of travel service providers. This legislation establishes a clear distinction between the obligations of tour operators and travel agents, a move designed to simplify the claims process for consumers and enhance overall service transparency. By delineating specific duties, the law seeks to reduce legal ambiguity when disputes arise regarding holiday packages and travel services.
Delineating the Scope of Tour Operator Obligations
Under the new regulations, tour operators will bear primary responsibility for the fundamental components of the travel product. Their liability extends to the quality and content of the tour, ensuring that all services delivered align strictly with the initial contract. This includes a strict prohibition on the use of unclassified accommodation facilities and unregistered guides, ensuring that all ground services meet official standards.
The operator is also accountable for the following:
- The accuracy of all promotional and descriptive information regarding the tour package.
- Compliance of all provided services with the terms stipulated in the travel agreement.
- Liability for any service shortcomings that do not meet the promised contractual standards.
Specific Duties and Liability Limits for Travel Agents
The legislation introduces a protective boundary for intermediaries, stating that travel agents will not be held liable for service deficiencies caused by the tour operator's fault. Instead, the agent's responsibilities are focused on the administrative and communicative aspects of the transaction. Agents are mandated to ensure the timely transfer of funds to the operator and to provide tourists with accurate, verified information throughout the booking process.
For travelers seeking to file a grievance, the law establishes strict windows for communication:
- Claims regarding service quality must be submitted to the travel agent within 20 days following the completion of the tour.
- Travel agents are required to review and respond to these claims within a 10-day period.
- Agents must notify the operator immediately upon the conclusion of a contract and agree on all specific conditions requested by the client.
This legislative update represents a systematic effort to modernize the travel sector's regulatory environment. By establishing these specific timelines and duty boundaries, the law provides a more predictable framework for both industry professionals and tourists. As the 2027 deadline approaches, both operators and agencies will need to adjust their internal protocols to ensure full compliance with the new standards of accountability.