Package Travel: Definition and Explanation for Utrecht Residents
A package travel combines at least two tourist services, such as transport and accommodation, offered by a single travel organiser for the same destination. This rule is laid down in the Dutch Civil Code and offers optimal protection for Utrecht residents as consumers. Learn when your trip qualifies as package travel and what rights you have, with advice from local organisations such as Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Legal Definition of Package Travel
Since 1 July 2018, Book 7, Title 3A of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), in particular Article 7:481(1) DCC, defines what constitutes package travel. This is based on the European Package Travel Directive (EU 2015/2302) for enhanced consumer protection.
Package travel comprises at least two different tourist services for the same stay of 24 hours or longer, including overnight accommodation. Conditions:
- Sold as a lump sum (a total price).
- Chosen through one travel organiser, for example via a single platform.
- Duration of at least 24 hours or including overnight stay.
Tourist services include transport, non-business accommodation, car hire or extras such as attraction tickets (if more than 25% of the total price).
What Counts as Tourist Services?
Article 7:481(2) DCC lists them. Overview for Utrecht residents:
- Passenger transport: flight, train from Utrecht Centraal, bus or boat.
- Accommodation: hotel, apartment, cruise ship or campsite (not a business trip).
- Car or motorbike hire for up to one month.
- Other services: excursions or meals, if they account for ≥25% of the price and are integrated.
Example: Train from Utrecht Centraal (transport) plus hotel (accommodation) always qualifies as package travel.
Real-World Examples of Package Travel
Consider a trip to Spain from Utrecht:
- Package travel: Train connection from Utrecht Centraal plus all-inclusive hotel for €1,200 via TUI – two services, one organiser.
- Borderline case: Hotel via Booking.com and KLM flight on one site; if one price and handled by one party, it may qualify as package travel.
- Not package travel: Separate Ryanair flight and local hotel, paid individually – limited protection.
A city trip to Rome with train + hotel or a cruise (transport, accommodation, meals) also qualifies.
Package Travel versus Individual Bookings
This distinction determines your level of protection. Comparison:
| Feature | Package Travel | Individual Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ≥2 services, one price, one organiser | Each service separately |
| Protection | Full Package Travel Directive (info, liability, SGR) | Consumer rights per service only |
| Price Certainty | Limited adjustments | Variable per provider |
| Example | Train from Utrecht + hotel via Corendon | easyJet flight, Airbnb hotel |
Your Rights and Obligations for Package Travel
Consumer Rights
As a Utrecht resident, you benefit from strong protection under the Package Travel Directive:
- Information duty: Clear travel details including price and conditions (art. 7:484 DCC).
- Price stability: Adjustments limited to 8% for unforeseen circumstances (art. 7:500 DCC).
- Cancellation: Free in serious cases; pro rata refund thereafter.
- Liability: Organiser liable for the entire trip (art. 7:514 DCC).
- SGR guarantee: Insolvency protection.
Organiser's Obligations
Provide accurate information, safety and proper execution. In case of shortcomings: remedy or discount (art. 7:508-510 DCC). For disputes: Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht or Utrecht District Court.
Frequently Asked Questions for Utrecht Residents
Is a last-minute deal always package travel?
No, only if ≥2 services via one organiser. Standalone ticket: no; with hotel: yes.
Booking via travel agency or online in Utrecht?
One contract with one organiser = package travel with protection.
Does car hire count?
Yes, transport + car hire = package travel.
Cancellation due to corona-like situations?
Full refund or voucher within 14 days (art. 7:503 DCC).
Tips for Utrecht Residents
Prevent problems:
- Check travel conditions before booking.
- Choose SGR/ANVR members. For advice: Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht (free initial consultation). Disputes? Utrecht District Court or Municipality of Utrecht for consumer assistance.
- Keep booking confirmations.