The EU Package Travel Directive (EU Directive 2015/2302), as implemented nationally in the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995, is the relevant law in respect of package holidays sold in EU countries, whether the travel organiser is based in an EU country or directs such business to EU member states from a third country. Among the consumer protections in the Directive are those relating to the right to cancel package travel contracts and receive refunds. While the company in question is a UK company, under the terms of the EU/UK Brexit "Withdrawal Agreement" EU law applies in its entirety to the UK until 31 December 2020.
In all instances the consumer should check the terms and conditions of the booking in respect to refunds and reference this against the EU Directive. The matter should be pursued with the holiday company directly, who must comply with the law. In instances where difficulties persist with EU-based travel agents operating outside of Ireland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission advises that such cases should be brought to the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Ireland, which assists consumers on matters relating to products or services sold in other EU Member States.
