The Government has launched a consultation into consumer protection rules for domestic package holidays.

It will seek feedback from the domestic travel and tourism sector on how new rules could support businesses and offer ‘cost-effective options to consumers’, as well as ensuring package travel rules are ‘clear and effective’.

The Department for Business and Trade said: “The consultation will consider how package travel rules could be simplified and unnecessary burdens lifted so businesses can offer more choice, at competitive prices, to consumers.”

It’s part of a wider set of reforms under the Government’s ‘smarter regulation’ programme for businesses and a review of the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs).

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Our domestic travel industry is crucial to our economy, but many holiday companies are faced with often over-burdensome regulations that make it difficult for them to grow and thrive.

“Today’s consultation is a major step to cutting red tape, which could benefit millions of British holidaymakers and give the sector a much-needed boost for the future.”

Which? warned: “It is essential that any review of the PTRs requirements on businesses does not come at the expense of travellers’ rights, particularly in light of the repeated episodes of serious disruption we’ve witnessed across the travel industry in recent years.”

An ABTA spokesperson said: “We have just received the Department for Trade and Business’s announcement of a consultation on possible wholesale review of the Package Travel Regulations.

“Following careful analysis, in due course we will be consulting with our members whose views will inform and guide our response.”

The 12-week consultation will conclude in December.