The Association of Independent Tour Operators and other trade associations and regulatory bodies , have a role to play in development and promotion. They represent the interests of their members and help them operate successfully in business. They are set up to represent the interests of companies operating in particular industry sectors and to make sure that the voice of their sector is heard. Many trade associations draw up codes of conduct which lay down the minimum standards under which member companies are expected to conduct their everyday business with customers and suppliers. Key trade associations in travel and tourism are ABTA.
Trade Associations
Trade associations are set up to represent the interests of companies operating in particular industry sectors and to make sure that the voice of the sector is heard. Many trade associations draw up codes of conduct which lay down the minimum standards under which member companies are expected to conduct their everyday business with customers and suppliers. Key trade associations in travel and tourism are ABTA, the Tourism Alliance, AITO, UKInbound, the British Hospitality Association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK and the Federation of Tour Operators. They provide advice and support for their members, and lobby central, local and European government to get a better deal for their member companies on issues such as taxation, regulations and funding.
Trade Associations
Trade associations are set up to represent the interests of companies operating in particular industry sectors and to make sure that the voice of the sector is heard. Many trade associations draw up codes of conduct which lay down the minimum standards under which member companies are expected to conduct their everyday business with customers and suppliers. Key trade associations in travel and tourism are ABTA, the Tourism Alliance, AITO, UKInbound, the British Hospitality Association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK and the Federation of Tour Operators. They provide advice and support for their members, and lobby central, local and European government to get a better deal for their member companies on issues such as taxation, regulations and funding.
ABTA
ABTA is the UK’s leading travel association; that have been at the heart of travel for over 60 years. There purpose is to help their Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers – the travelling public – have confidence in their travel experience.
It is estimated that over £31.5bn is spent on holiday arrangements with ABTA Members every year. We believe this is because booking with an ABTA Member gives you peace of mind because they are committed to following a strict code of conduct, which means you’ll receive a high standard of service, fair terms of trading and accurate information. In fact, research shows that seven out of ten people see ABTA membership as essential when booking their travel arrangements. ABTA helps their Members and their customers navigate through today’s changing travel
landscape by:
All this equates to holidaymakers remaining confident and happy in the holiday products that they buy from their Members, and helps ABTA achieve their vision of building confidence in travel.
ABTA is the UK’s leading travel association; that have been at the heart of travel for over 60 years. There purpose is to help their Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers – the travelling public – have confidence in their travel experience.
It is estimated that over £31.5bn is spent on holiday arrangements with ABTA Members every year. We believe this is because booking with an ABTA Member gives you peace of mind because they are committed to following a strict code of conduct, which means you’ll receive a high standard of service, fair terms of trading and accurate information. In fact, research shows that seven out of ten people see ABTA membership as essential when booking their travel arrangements. ABTA helps their Members and their customers navigate through today’s changing travel
landscape by:
- Providing schemes of financial protection and a course of redress if something goes wrong
- Raising standards in the industry and by giving guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety
- Presenting a united voice to government to ensure the industry and the public get a fair deal.
All this equates to holidaymakers remaining confident and happy in the holiday products that they buy from their Members, and helps ABTA achieve their vision of building confidence in travel.
AITO
The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) is an umbrella organisation that represents more than 120 of Britain's best independent tour operators.
It's members specialise in destinations or types of holiday about which they are particularly passionate, meaning they are uniquely placed to provide personalised advice based on first-hand experience.
All AITO members are required to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service – as enshrined in their Quality Charter. We feel it’s thanks to these three qualities that AITO companies consistently dominate consumer-voted travel awards every year.
AITO members are also encouraged to participate in raising awareness among staff, customers and suppliers of the importance of sustainable tourism.
The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) is an umbrella organisation that represents more than 120 of Britain's best independent tour operators.
It's members specialise in destinations or types of holiday about which they are particularly passionate, meaning they are uniquely placed to provide personalised advice based on first-hand experience.
All AITO members are required to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service – as enshrined in their Quality Charter. We feel it’s thanks to these three qualities that AITO companies consistently dominate consumer-voted travel awards every year.
AITO members are also encouraged to participate in raising awareness among staff, customers and suppliers of the importance of sustainable tourism.
Regulatory Bodies
All travel and tourism operators have a duty to serve the travelling public safely, fairly and efficiently. It is the job of regulatory bodies of all kinds to make sure this happens and to provide redress to the travelling public if things go wrong. Regulatory bodies exist at different levels in travel and tourism:
All travel and tourism operators have a duty to serve the travelling public safely, fairly and efficiently. It is the job of regulatory bodies of all kinds to make sure this happens and to provide redress to the travelling public if things go wrong. Regulatory bodies exist at different levels in travel and tourism:
- Global- bodies such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) regulate international air transport services
- European- the European Commission introduces consumer protection measures for travellers, such as the Package Travel Regulations and Distance Selling Regulations
- National- the UK government is responsible for legislation concerning, for example, health and safety at tourist attractions and airport security
- Local- local authorities carry out a great deal of work matters such as trading standards and inspections of hotels, restaurants and other food premises.