Greece holidays: Can the trip be cancelled now?
The flames are currently under control. However, the forest fire near Athens may cause concern for many people planning a trip to Greece. What are the travel rights in this case?
The images of the devastating forest fires near Athens are also worrying Greek holidaymakers. Those who have planned a trip to the country may be wondering if they can cancel it in light of this situation. However, this is often not possible without further ado. Travel lawyer Paul Degott explains what applies in such a case.
What applies before the trip?
Fear of forest fires is understandable, especially in Greece. Many remember the fires on the holiday island of Rhodes last year, when thousands of people had to be evacuated. However, fear alone is not a valid reason for cancelling a booked package holiday - in such a case, one would have to pay the corresponding cancellation fees stipulated in the travel contract.
Degott makes it clear: Only if it is recognizable that the trip or hotel stay on site cannot be carried out "holiday-like" due to the forest fires, could a corresponding right of withdrawal be justified - i.e. cancelling and getting the full travel price back without cancellation fees. Often, tour operators also cancel trips themselves in such cases.
Individual travellers have it harder - they have to deal with the hotel or holiday apartment owner on site if they have not chosen flexible cancellation options when booking. The law of the country in which the accommodation is located applies, according to the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer centre.
And for booked flights, individual travellers must contact the airline directly. Even if, for example, the hotel is no longer available. The airline could then still insist: We can offer our service, the flight - so tough luck. In doubt, one has to hope for goodwill.
What applies to holidaymakers on site?
Those who are on site and, like many tourists on Rhodes last year, are directly affected by forest fires, can rely on the tour operator for a package holiday. The tour operator is obliged to organise replacement accommodation and help with rebooking return flights. And the costs for this are borne by them.
If the holiday ends prematurely as a result, Degott says that the travel price must also be refunded proportionally. Travel price reductions are also possible if the holiday is significantly disrupted by the effects of a forest fire - for example by smoke or ash rain, or if planned excursions within the package holiday fall through.
Individual travellers are also at a disadvantage in this regard. They have to organise replacement accommodation and return flights themselves - if the money for this is not available, it is an option to contact the German embassy or German representation in the country and ask for financial assistance. Important: This must be repaid later.
What can protect against such financial consequences is a travel cancellation insurance - provided that forest fires or fires are listed as insured risks in the policy. Otherwise, it may not pay out. This should be checked before taking out the insurance.
Despite the ongoing forest fire near Athens, holidaymakers might be contemplating canceling their trip to Greece. However, fear of the forest fire alone may not be a valid reason for cancelling a pre-booked package holiday, as cancellation fees would typically apply.
For those already on vacation in Greece and affected by the forest fires, tour operators are obligated to arrange replacement accommodation and assist with rebooking return flights for package holiday bookings, with these costs being covered by the tour operator.
