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27/08/2009
EU To 'Protect' Independent Tourists
A new EU initiative to provide better levels of protection for tourists left behind by airline collapses will be announced in Galway later today.
EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva - who has been battling with airlines on a number of issues - said existing EU directives "do not provide sufficient safeguards" as the number of people who now make their own independent holiday arrangements increases.
Ms Kuneva said traditional package holidays booked from brochures through travel agents have "gold-plated protection" under EU laws introduced in the 1990s, but this protection doesn't extend to those who have made their own arrangements, such as cancelled flights and disputes with hotels or car hire firms.
Many people now use the Internet to separately book airline tickets, hotel accommodation and car hire.
According to the Commissioner, 56% of holidaymakers across the EU and 46% in Ireland now organise their holidays in this way.
They are not covered by the basic consumer rights in the original EU directive.
In the UK in 1997, 98% of passengers on holiday flights were protected, but this had fallen to 36% by 2005.
(DW/BMcc)
EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva - who has been battling with airlines on a number of issues - said existing EU directives "do not provide sufficient safeguards" as the number of people who now make their own independent holiday arrangements increases.
Ms Kuneva said traditional package holidays booked from brochures through travel agents have "gold-plated protection" under EU laws introduced in the 1990s, but this protection doesn't extend to those who have made their own arrangements, such as cancelled flights and disputes with hotels or car hire firms.
Many people now use the Internet to separately book airline tickets, hotel accommodation and car hire.
According to the Commissioner, 56% of holidaymakers across the EU and 46% in Ireland now organise their holidays in this way.
They are not covered by the basic consumer rights in the original EU directive.
In the UK in 1997, 98% of passengers on holiday flights were protected, but this had fallen to 36% by 2005.
(DW/BMcc)
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NI Food Festival To Take Place Over Bank Holiday Weekend
A new food festival will take place this August Bank Holiday weekend, in a celebration of the life of one of Northern Ireland's most acclaimed dramatists. 'New Norths' is a food festival with a difference, taking its influence from the cuisine of Ireland, Scandinavia and Russia, as well as the life and works of Brian Friel.
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Holiday home owners may face tax hit warns PwC
A recent House of Lords ruling could mean that many owners of overseas holiday homes will face an unexpected tax hit, according to accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The Lords ruling is designed to close a loophole where UK residents, who own property abroad, often buy their home through an offshore company.
Holiday home owners may face tax hit warns PwC
A recent House of Lords ruling could mean that many owners of overseas holiday homes will face an unexpected tax hit, according to accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The Lords ruling is designed to close a loophole where UK residents, who own property abroad, often buy their home through an offshore company.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
