Travel Associations and Regulatory Bodies
Trade associations and regulatory bodies are available for tourists when they go on holidays/trips and this is usually abroad. This service is for outbound tourists and they get offered this when they book their holiday. This allows the customers to be sure they can trust the company they are paying to ensure they do not get stranded abroad and also ensures other factors do not go wrong. They have an agreement on the minimum service they absolutely must provide so the customers are not worried about the services they have paid for not being fulfilled. Some associations in the travel industry include ABTA, AITO, UKinbound, The Tourism Alliance and The Federation Of Tour Operators. Regulatory bodies are available to ensure tour operators serve customer fairly, efficiently and safely. There are several levels they are found at which include:
Global; This will provide you with certainty of receiving the service you have paid for when travelling on a global scale so you are never stranded or treated unfairly when you are somewhere with no alternative services or help. This is bodies such as ICAO.
European; The European commission offers travelers consumer protection measures such as the Package Travel Regulations. This offers the same services for people solely travelling around Europe.
National; Health and Safety regulations at tourist attractions are in the UK Governments responsibilities. As are airport security and other legislation concerns.
Local; The local associations carry out inspections on local restaurants, take-away's, hotels and other accommodations. This is to ensure that if you pay for services from business and you pay a higher price for somewhere that is highly rated you will be sure that the service you receive will be accurate with the expectations and prices.
Global; This will provide you with certainty of receiving the service you have paid for when travelling on a global scale so you are never stranded or treated unfairly when you are somewhere with no alternative services or help. This is bodies such as ICAO.
European; The European commission offers travelers consumer protection measures such as the Package Travel Regulations. This offers the same services for people solely travelling around Europe.
National; Health and Safety regulations at tourist attractions are in the UK Governments responsibilities. As are airport security and other legislation concerns.
Local; The local associations carry out inspections on local restaurants, take-away's, hotels and other accommodations. This is to ensure that if you pay for services from business and you pay a higher price for somewhere that is highly rated you will be sure that the service you receive will be accurate with the expectations and prices.