Consumer Vindicated Against Company That Canceled Package Tour and Charged Extra Fee
A precedent-setting decision was issued upon the application of a consumer in Kayseri whose purchased tour was canceled, redirected to a more expensive alternative, and who was forced to pay an extra fee.
Şerife Erdoğdu, living in Kayseri, applied to the Consumer Arbitration Committee for the refund of the 34,825 lira price difference she had to pay for a more expensive alternative tour she joined after her reservation was canceled by the company, and she was found in the right.
Package Tour Cancellation Process and Extra Payment
Şerife Erdoğdu, living in the Kocasinan district, made a reservation through a travel agency on January 31 to participate in a tour program covering the Aegean Region with her family.
Shortly before the trip started, the package tour was canceled by the company, and the 34,825 liras she paid was refunded. Guided to the alternative tour offered by the company, Erdoğdu paid 34,825 liras extra and participated in another tour costing 100,000 liras.
Precedent Decision by the Consumer Arbitration Committee
Learning from a friend that the price difference she paid was contrary to consumer legislation, Erdoğdu applied to the Kocasinan District Consumer Arbitration Committee with a request for the refund of the amount.
Upon examination, it was concluded that the cancellation of the tour did not originate from the consumer, and the price difference collected by the agency was contrary to the legislation, resulting in a unanimous decision to refund the 34,825 liras.
Consumer's Application Process and Experiences
Şerife Erdoğdu, who participated in the tour by paying the price difference so that her holiday plan would not be disrupted, gathered her documents after returning from the holiday and prepared her complaint petition via e-Government.
Stating that her application was concluded within approximately 2 months, Erdoğdu expressed that citizens can easily seek their rights through this method.
Warnings from the Consumers' Association
Mahmut Şahin, Chairman of the Consumers' Association, stated that there are provisions in package tour contracts aimed at protecting consumers in changes not caused by the consumer.
Şahin emphasized that it is important for consumers to definitely keep a copy of the package tour contract and document the payments and extra fees made.