EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Tourism

Hundreds of tourists travelling with the company were stuck in Turkish airport and could not reach their hotels which is said to have happened because of the company's debts.

The minister has no reproach to the department overseeing tourism and its Director General Raimonda Balniene, who Gustas says could not prevent the situation from occurring.

"I regard (her work in this context – ELTA) favourably as the situation was taken under control. As you know the travel operator's actions were very unfair. The company new it was insolvent but still made one flight to Antalya and left people to their own devices. Thanks to the efforts of the State Department of Tourism the situation was brought under control," Gustas said.

According to the minister, the situation is being constantly monitored. However, in this case no information was received regarding Go Planet Travel insolvency. Gustas added that most probably disagreements emerged among the holding companies. Meanwhile, tourists who incurred losses will be compensated by insurance companies and the cost will be collected from the company once bankruptcy case is initiated.

"Further steps will be as stipulated by laws. First of all audit company will be contracted which will calculated the debt to travellers (...)," the minister said. Gustas added that there is no need for stricter licensing of such companies as it is sufficiently strict already.