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The so-called "big consumer amendment", which came into force at the beginning of January, is reported in all media. But what does it mean in practice for travel agents and agencies?
There are not many changes for the tourism business, as the sale of tours is already strictly regulated. Still, there are some. So what to prepare for?
The changes will be reflected mainly on websites and when buying tours
While changes are not needed in the general terms and conditions, you will need to make partial changes on the website or in the setup of the purchase process. You may be affected by some of these changes, which are summarised in the following sections;
1. The "Order binding payment" button;
2. Rules for publishing consumer reviews;
3. Tighter requirements for telephone contracting;
4. Prohibition on requesting additional payments without the consumer's express consent;
5. Making certain actions punishable as unfair commercial practices and the consumer's right to withdraw from the contract free of charge;
6. Introduction of fines for breach of selected obligations under the Civil Code and for abusive contractual provisions;
7. Strengthening of fines for conduct with a cross-border element.
Those of you who are members of the ACK already have a link in your email to the detailed information we have prepared for each of the new ACK obligations. For those of you who are not ACK members, we will be happy to provide individual consultation in a form that suits you. If you require consultation on this in greater detail, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@holubova.cz.
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Jasper Brinkman
Jasper Brinkman
"Following a devastating hotel fire in Prague, the law firm Holubová advokáti, led by attorney Klara Dvorakova, successfully represented our extended family as a group of victims. The firm navigated complex international insurance and compensation laws to defend our rights.
I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts the firm had to make to bring our case to a successful compensation under extremely difficult circumstances."
Stewarts
Stewarts
"A visit to her daughter in London turned Eva's life upside down when she says she stepped into a crossing on a green light but was hit by a car. Despite her remarkable bravery, she faced a long treatment due to fractures in her pelvis, and the associated limitations and pain are likely to persist for the rest of her life. Regular headaches and impaired concentration compound her challenges.
Eva contacted us through an organization temporarily helping her manage her difficult living situation. At that time, she was destitute, relying only on subsistence payments. We were able to assist her because we specialize in personal injury and have contacts with proven colleagues abroad.
We worked with Stewarts, a UK law firm, on this case. Attorneys Klára Dvořáková and Rebecca Huxford helped Eva with the documentation in her case, explaining her options and the differences between the Czech and British systems of healthcare and social benefits reimbursement. Within a few months, thanks to the professional cooperation between the two offices, an offer of compensation from the insurance company of approximately CZK seven million was achieved. The client accepted this settlement because she did not want to deal with courts in the United Kingdom.
Subsequently, we assisted the client with related tax issues and contacted Auditone, a tax consultancy firm, which arranged for the filing of a tax return. Compensation for lost income is taxable, unlike most personal injury compensation.
'No one has done as much for me as you,' Eva said.
The fact that we were able to help Eva gives our work meaning and brings us great joy. We are very happy that, thanks to our many years of active involvement in the international professional organization PEOPIL, we can cooperate on such cases."