Holidaymakers asked to take vouchers instead of refunds on package holidays during coronavirus pandemic

HOLIDAYMAKERS are being asked to take vouchers instead of refunds for their cancelled trips in a bid to protect the travel industry.

A number of travellers claim they have already been refused their money back and are instead being offered vouchers.

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Currently, British holidaymakers are entitled to full refunds for holidays cancelled due to coronavirus, following the government warning to avoid all all but essential travel.

This is because of protection by the , issued by the European Commission.

However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps could be introducing new regulations later this week which will instead allow package holiday providers and tour operators to offer vouchers instead of refunds.

According to the , holidays equating to £1 billion have been cancelled between March 17 and April 16, following the latest government advice, which Brits are entitled to be fully refunded for.

The huge payout could lead to a number of travel firms collapsing, due to the lack of revenue and refund amounts.

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Instead, consumers could soon be offered vouchers that last up to two years to prevent the collapse of the travel industry.

The European Commission has already updated its guidance on the Package Travel Directive (PTD) in relation to customer claims refunds.

Last week, they encouraged customers to accept credit notes, on the condition that the customer can claim a refund in the future if the voucher is not used and that they are protected if the firm goes bust.

An ABTA spokesperson told Sun Online Travel that the new rules will give tourists "essential assurance that they will either get a holiday or their money back, as well as providing a much needed helping hand to travel companies through these difficult and unprecedented times".

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Some travellers are already being told they can can only get vouchers instead of refunds, despite the new regulations not yet in place.

Jet2 are currently telling customers on social media: "In order to make sure we get you the perfect holiday at a time to suit you, we can issue you with a voucher to the value of your booking."

Jill Campbell, who was due to go on a hen party, wrote: "We were due to fly the 1st of April but have only been offered vouchers?"

British Airways are currently only allowing vouchers if applying online, with passengers told to call for a refund, according to a spokesperson.

However, many are struggling to get through to the airline by phone.

One person tweeted: "@British_Airways I don’t want a voucher. I want a refund. Your call systems hang us up. I want my money back. Give me my money back."

Another person added: "So ridiculous that @British_Airways are only offering vouchers and the only way you can possibly arrange a refund is by calling a number that never gets through to an operator. What’s the use of a voucher when we have no idea when travel will be normal again?"

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Sun Online Travel contacted Jet2 and TUI for additional comment.