The Legal Impacts of COVID-19 in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry

13 solution should be adopted by all Member States. Different Member States should not interpret the PTD differently and amend their implementing acts differently. The European Commission should intervene and give practical solutions, taking into account and weighing the different legal situations in the various countries as well as the interests of the various groups of stakeholders (airlines, consumer associations, passenger rights associations, etc.). Lastly, it shall be ensured that the voucher scheme shall not be mandatory, but the consumer shall have the right to choose between the voucher and the right to reimbursement. It is true that, under the voucher system, the tourism industry will benefit as a whole, but an imposed voucher is to the detriment of consumer protection. Consumers should not be forced to accept the vouchers, but encouraged to voluntarily accept those which are insolvency-protected and valid for at least one and a half year, instead of money. Besides, many European consumers are tremendously hit by the crisis, not only because of the health risk but also because of the economic consequences of confinement measures, due to which they have lost jobs and income. As a result, many consumers might not afford any more the trips booked before the beginning of COVID-19 crisis.