Tourist travel, cancellations, rights and alternatives in the context of the pandemic

This reflection is based on the important discussion that was undertaken regarding the necessary adjustments in view of the cancellation of trips that were scheduled at the beginning of the period of health crisis experienced worldwide since the end of 2019. Many discussions arose in view of the closing of borders, which made international travel impossible, as well as the interruption of travel within the country itself, given the worsening public health crisis, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The central question of this study revolves around the solution presented to consumers who already had scheduled and paid trips, in order to guarantee access to amounts previously disbursed and paid to suppliers of products and services, in the face of the public health emergency. It is also important to highlight the impasse of safeguarding the balance and survival of companies in the tourism sector, an important segment for the generation of employment, income, provision of services and fundamental for the development of a country in the face of consumer rights, which had already airfare and accommodation reservations. Thus, the present study reveals the path taken in the face of the urgency of finding an alternative capable of guaranteeing respect for the rights of those involved, based on the analysis of the provisions of the legislation approved in this context of health crisis. With the research, it was concluded that the approved rules were intended to achieve a reasonable balance by preserving the interests of the two parties involved in this legal relationship: on the one hand, protecting the good financial health of companies in the tourism and accommodation sector and, on the other hand, to safeguard the rights of consumers who had already fully or partially paid in advance for their travel packages.