Can I get my money back if my holiday is cancelled because of COVID-19?

We are being asked by many of our clients what the position is with regard to any refunds where their holiday has been cancelled because of the Coronavirus.

It firstly depends on how you have booked.

If you have booked a package holiday through a tour operator which is cancelled by them due to the Coronavirus, under the Package Tour Regulations you should be entitled to a full refund within 14 days.

If you have booked direct then what you can get back following a cancellation will depend on the terms and conditions of your contract.

The industry has been faced with an unprecedented level of cancellations, followed by a halt on future bookings and as such many companies are claiming they do not have the cash flow to make refunds.  Many tour operators claim they are not receiving refunds from flight companies or hotels.

In consequence, there appears to be increasing pressure placed on customers by tour operators to accept a voucher enabling them to book a holiday at a later date or which can be converted in to cash at a later date if a further holiday is not booked.  The travel operators are also putting pressure on the government to make these offers legal, stating that the Package Tour Regulations were not designed for the current pandemic.

Until any change are made by the government, the Package Tour Regulations stand and a party does not have to accept a voucher or rebooking.

If you have any questions regarding a holiday you have booked which has been cancelled, whether it is a package holiday or otherwise, then please do not hesitate to contact our Alison Rowley to discuss on 01282 433241 or email ar@drnlaw.co.uk.