The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) has imposed a fine of EUR 5,000 on Liene Porīte for offering and selling unlicensed package travel services in violation of the Tourism Law and the Unfair Commercial Practices Prohibition Law. In addition, the individual has been ordered to immediately cease the unfair commercial practice.
Travel Packages Offered Without a Licence
After reviewing received complaints, CRPC established that travel packages were systematically and continuously offered via Facebook under the project “Brokastis Toskānā” (“Breakfast in Tuscany”), mainly for trips to Italy.
The offers included multiple services for a single total price — accommodation, transport, breakfast, walks, and sightseeing activities. Such a combination of services qualifies as a package travel service, for which a tour operator licence and financial security to protect travellers’ payments are legally required.
CRPC repeatedly requested that the service provider:
-
obtain a tour operator licence;
-
secure an insurance policy or bank guarantee to protect travellers’ advance payments.
These requirements were not fulfilled, and the offering of travel services continued without the appropriate legal status. CRPC also received a complaint from a traveller regarding a cancelled trip and difficulties in recovering the paid amount.
If the decision is not complied with, CRPC may also decide to restrict access to the relevant Facebook profile within the territory of Latvia.
How to Protect Yourself When Purchasing Travel Services
CRPC urges travellers to always verify that the chosen service provider:
-
holds a valid tour operator licence;
-
has provided the legally required financial security to protect travellers’ payments before the trip;
-
is registered in the CRPC-maintained database of tourism service providers.
Information about licensed service providers is publicly available on the CRPC website.
CRPC reminds consumers: before making any payment, verify the legal status of the service provider. Choosing an unlicensed travel organiser poses a significant risk of losing the paid amount and not receiving the promised service.