Consumers have to pay 5 euros extra to book a travel package

Protecting consumers in the event of bankruptcy

Package travel providers have a statutory obligation to protect consumers against bankruptcy. Travel agents must take measures against this, for example, joining a guarantee scheme such as the Stichting Garantiefonds Reisgelden (SGR). If the travel agent experiences financial problems, the traveller is fully protected. If the travel agent goes bankrupt, you are entitled to a refund. This then becomes the responsibility of the guarantee scheme.

Why does the SGR request a financial contribution?

Due to the corona pandemic, many package travel providers are in dire straits and the number of bankruptcies is increasing. Guarantee schemes, such as the SGR, are therefore having to issue more pay-outs than usual. However, the SGR does not have unlimited financial resources. The SGR temporarily requests a small contribution of €5 when booking a package deal with one of the affiliated travel agents to ensure there are sufficient funds to protect consumers against bankrupt travel agents in the future.

Am I obliged to pay this charge?

If you book a trip through a travel agent who is a member of the SGR, you must pay this contribution. The package travel providers through which you book may include this charge in the total price of your package, or list it as a separate charge on your invoice or booking confirmation.

SGR fund assets

This is not the first time the SGR has implemented this temporary charge. From 1983 to 1999, consumers also paid a financial contribution when booking a package deal. In 1999, the fund had sufficient assets to offer consumers protection. It was therefore no longer necessary to charge a financial contribution. For the time being, it is unclear how long it will take to build the capacity of the fund.