Package Travel: Definition and Explanation for Residents of Den Haag
A package travel combines at least two tourist services, such as transport and accommodation, offered by a single organizer for the same trip. This rule is set out in the Dutch Civil Code and provides strong protection for residents of Den Haag as consumers. Learn when your trip qualifies as package travel and what rights you have, with advice from local agencies such as the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Legal Definition of Package Travel in the Netherlands
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 stems from the European Package Travel Directive (EU 2015/2302) for enhanced consumer rights. It fully applies to residents of Den Haag, and in disputes you can turn to the District Court of Den Haag.
Package travel includes at least two different tourist services for the same trip, lasting at least 24 hours or involving an overnight stay. Conditions:
- Sold for a single total price (combined price).
- Booked with a single tour operator, for example via one platform.
- Duration of at least 24 hours or including an overnight stay.
Tourist services include transport, non-business accommodation, car rentals, or extras such as attractions (if more than 25% of the total travel price).
Examples of Tourist Services
Article 7:481(2) DCC lists these services. Overview for travelers from Den Haag:
- Passenger transport: flight from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, train, or bus.
- Accommodation: hotel in Scheveningen style, apartment, or cruise (not business travel).
- Car rental: car or motorbike for max. 1 month.
- Other services: excursions or meals, if they account for ≥25% of the price and are integrated.
Example: Flight from RTM plus hotel in Barcelona is always package travel.
Practical Examples of Package Travel from Den Haag
Consider a beach holiday to Greece:
- Package travel: Booking flight from Rotterdam The Hague Airport and hotel with Corendon for €1,100 – two services, one price.
- Edge case: Hotel and flight via one site like Booking.com, with combined handling: possibly package travel.
- Not package travel: Separate Ryanair flight and hotel – no protection.
City trip to Rome with train + hotel or Scheveningen cruise counts as well.
Package Travel vs. Individual Bookings
Key for your rights in Den Haag. Comparison:
| Feature | Package Travel | Individual Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ≥2 services, one price, one provider | Each service separately |
| Protection | Full package travel rules, SGR coverage | Consumer rights per service |
| Price | Stable, max. 8% adjustment | Separate terms |
| Example | Flight + hotel via TUI | Flight easyJet, Airbnb hotel |
Your Rights and Obligations for Package Travel
Consumer Rights
For package travel (Package Travel Directive):
- Information duty: Clear travel details (Art. 7:484 DCC).
- Price certainty: Adjustments limited (Art. 7:500 DCC).
- Cancellation: Free in case of disasters; pro rata after start.
- Liability: Organizer responsible (Art. 7:514 DCC).
- SGR guarantee: Safe in case of bankruptcy.
Obligations of the Organizer
Provide information, ensure safety, and proper execution. In case of shortcomings: remedy or discount (Art. 7:508-510 DCC). Seek help from Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Frequently Asked Questions about Package Travel
Is a last-minute deal always package travel?
No, only if ≥2 services via one organizer. Standalone ticket no, with hotel yes.
Booking via a travel agency in Den Haag?
Yes, with one contract: full protection.
Adding car rental: package travel?
Yes, transport + car rental qualifies.
Cancellation due to corona-like issues?
Full refund or voucher within 14 days (Art. 7:503 DCC).
Tips for Residents of Den Haag
Avoid hassle:
- Read travel terms carefully.
- Choose SGR/ANVR members.
- In case of issues: Juridisch Loket Den Haag (088-1237370) or Gemeente Den Haag for info. Disputes via District Court of Den Haag.