The fallout from the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year continues, with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) insisting that the European Commission (EC) re-examine compensation legislation.

Airlines and tour operators have used the WTTC's urges as an opportunity to resurrect their own grievances on how much they should be required to compensate passengers.

"While passengers should certainly be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, the fallout of the volcanic ash cloud is unduly impacting an industry that is already subject to excessive regulation and taxation. This situation originated from force majeur and not as a result of mismanagement by airlines and tour operators. We believe it is time the EC recognise this and re-examine how the legislation is applied in such circumstances," president and CEO of WTTC, Jean-Claude Baumgarten said.

According to the WTTC, the precautionary measures and restrictions imposed by governments at the first sign of the ash cloud were appropriate, but continued for too long and without due consultation with those most affected  - airlines and tour operators.

"Tourism is being hit with a double whammy: the loss of business as planes were grounded and now the cost of reimbursing passengers. With evidence that some operators - particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, which make up more than three-quarters of the industry - are struggling financially this year, it is an unwanted and unwarranted burden.

"We cannot help but think tourism is being punished for circumstances not of its making."

Travel and tourism's prosperity is being restricted by governments failing to consult with the private sector. Barriers such as compensation legislation, visa policies and processes, taxation (particularly the UK's Air Passenger Duty), and infrastructure restrictions such as airport expansion, continue to hinder progression.