The Austrian consumer advocate Peter Kolba assumes that the 2G regulation in the hotel industry is no reason for a free cancellation of winter holidays. Here, the lawyer refers, among other things, to the general terms and conditions of the industry, which provide for cancellation fees.

Precisely for this reason, Kolba appeals that you should agree on a free cancellation option in the course of the booking and in writing. These can then be referred to in the event of a problem. Otherwise, according to the consumer advocate, cancellation fees could flourish. Kolba quotes from the industry terms and conditions that many hoteliers use. Accordingly, the following cancellation rates are provided: up to one month before arrival 40 percent, up to one week before arrival 70 percent and last week before arrival 90 percent of the arrangement price can be requested by the hotelier.

"Anyone who books during a pandemic cannot claim that the business basis has been lost due to an unreasonable and surprising event," says Peter Kolba, chairman of the consumer protection association (VSV). "In 2020, many hoteliers in Ischgl have taken off prematurely departing guests or cancellation fees and at the same time applied for state aid".

The VSV chairman therefore recommends as follows: “Only book at short notice if the corona situation allows. Agree in writing with the hotelier to cancel free of charge in the event of restrictions due to Corona. If you have Corona and therefore have to cancel, you should claim compensation from the travel cost cancellation insurance ”.