The travelODR is an innovative European project implemented with co-financing from the European Commission (DG JUST), within the framework of policies for consumer protection and the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution. The project focused on improving consumers' access to online dispute resolution (ODR) in the highly demanding and dynamic sector of tourism and transport services.

Project duration: 2023–2025
Project coordinator: startADR
Financing: European Commission (DG JUST)

Objectives and results

travelODR was designed to meet essential consumer and business needs and was implemented with four key pillars:

1. Development of an innovative ODR mobile application
   A user-friendly, digital mobile application was developed for the resolution of disputes arising from air, land and sea transport, as well as accommodation services.
2. Strengthening synergies between stakeholders
   Collaboration between consumers, traders, professionals, consumer organizations, professional and commercial bodies was promoted with the aim of creating a functional and collaborative dispute resolution ecosystem.
3. travelODR training
   Numerous initial training actions were planned and implemented for professionals (lawyers, mediators, etc.) in the field of transport with an emphasis on the electronic resolution of travel disputes.
4. Information and awareness-raising
   Information and dissemination actions were implemented with the aim of strengthening consumer awareness and knowledge of rights in tourism and transport.
   
   

Actions implemented

During the travelODR project, a comprehensive range of technical, educational and communication actions were implemented:

• The travelODR mobile application was developed specially designed for the tourism and transportation sector.
• Webinars and workshops were held, for the presentation and evaluation of the platform, as well as for the collection of comments from users and organizations.
• Masterclasses and specialized seminars were organized, with the subject of ODR in tourism services and the relevant legal approach.
• Dissemination materials were developed and public interventions were carried out in collaboration with professional associations, consumer bodies and national and European institutions.

In particular, the following actions were successfully implemented:

• In the technical aspect, the following was successfully completed: design and development of the travelODR mobile application, which includes features such as automated legal guidance through AI, structured trading interface, as well as upgrade option in electronic mediation or arbitration.
• Developed official project website (travelodr.com) and a digital outreach strategy was implemented.
• In terms of participation, a total of:

8 webinars (2 for consumers, 2 for traders, 2 for consumer associations and 2 for professional organizations),

5 workshops (4 in Greek and 1 in English), as well as

1 Masterclass on ODR in the tourism sector.

• In addition, the following took place:

2 thematic online events with invited representatives of important professional and consumer organizations, with the support of the Thessaloniki Bar Association and the Thessaloniki Professional Chamber. Through these actions, valuable comments were collected from interested parties, individual functions of the application were optimized and the foundations were laid for long-term partnerships at European level.

The impact of the project

The travelODR left a significant footprint in the European Alternative Dispute Resolution space, both at a technical and institutional level.

• Contributed in the cultivation of a a new culture of dispute resolution in the transport sector, with key features being speed, technological accessibility and increased trust.
• Highlighted the role of specialists, institutionally reliable ADR bodies, such as the startADR as strategic partners consumers, professionals and regulators.
• It laid the foundations for the practical application of relevant legislation in the travel and transport sector, through the development of operational tools and methodologies that support the responsible and transparent operation of online dispute resolution.
• Strengthen cross-border cooperation and created a model of action that can be repeated in other areas of out-of-court dispute resolution, inside and outside Greece.
• Improve the quality and speed of dispute resolution in the tourism sector
• Created a transparent and reliable digital ODR framework
• Increased consumer and business confidence towards alternative forms of dispute resolution
  
  

We continue with new services

After the successful completion of the project, the startADR utilizes its results and expertise travelODR to offer sophisticated and specialized electronic dispute resolution services in the tourism and transport sector, in collaboration with organisations and professionals across Europe.

Additional:

Starting from the successful implementation of the project travelODR, the startADR moves to the new phase by offering high-level specialized education for professionals who wish to lead in the field of electronic dispute resolution in tourism and transport.

The educational program is fully aligned with modern technological, institutional and regulatory developments and aims to promote a new generation travelODR facilitators with a clear international orientation and professional perspective.

Participants will gain:

• Practical experience in the application of techniques e-negotiation, e-mediation and electronic dispute support.

• Knowledge of relevant European and national legislation, with an emphasis on consumer protection, digital compliance and ODR issues.

• Possibility (after evaluation) of joining the certified panel of facilitators of startADR, actively participating in the implementation of cases through the mobile application travelODR.
• International recognition, as well as training and inclusion in the panel of startADR are important professional credential at European level, enhancing the profile of participants and expanding the cooperation opportunities and networking with institutional and private bodies in the field

In this way, we form a modern and sustainable professional field for mediators, lawyers, consultants and ADR Experts, who want to be at the forefront of developments in electronic dispute resolution.

Want to learn more?

Visit the official startADR website

OR contact us for more information about the program, services and collaboration opportunities.