Trade associations 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. Key trade associations in travel and tourism
include ABTA (the tourism alliance) and AITO (the British hospitality) they
provide advice and support for their members and lobby central, local and
European government to get a better deal. Trade association us set up for the
benefits of members, it’s a non-profit making organisation.
ABTA
ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)
A trade organisation for travel agents and tour operators, ABTA has
approximately 5000 companies on its books. All members must be able to give
detailed advice about insurance, tickets, passports, visas, health requirements
and changes to travel plans.
The association offers an arbitration service
when complaints are made against members. If an ABTA member becomes insolvent
then the ABTA fund is used to refund the customer.
• ABTA's code of conduct
should ensure that:
• Members are financially sound.
• Descriptions used
in brochures are accurate.
• Bookings are handled with a high degree of
service.
• Money paid for a holiday is not lost, and is refunded if
necessary.
• Holidaymakers are never stranded abroad.
of companies operating in particular industry sectors and to make sure that the
voice of their sector is heard. Key trade associations in travel and tourism
include ABTA (the tourism alliance) and AITO (the British hospitality) they
provide advice and support for their members and lobby central, local and
European government to get a better deal. Trade association us set up for the
benefits of members, it’s a non-profit making organisation.
ABTA
ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)
A trade organisation for travel agents and tour operators, ABTA has
approximately 5000 companies on its books. All members must be able to give
detailed advice about insurance, tickets, passports, visas, health requirements
and changes to travel plans.
The association offers an arbitration service
when complaints are made against members. If an ABTA member becomes insolvent
then the ABTA fund is used to refund the customer.
• ABTA's code of conduct
should ensure that:
• Members are financially sound.
• Descriptions used
in brochures are accurate.
• Bookings are handled with a high degree of
service.
• Money paid for a holiday is not lost, and is refunded if
necessary.
• Holidaymakers are never stranded abroad.
AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators)
AITO
represents some of Britain’s best specialist tour operators. Members are expected to deliver a high standard of customer service and work to a code of conduct before they can join the association.
AITO endorses:
• Members need to be properly insured to guarantee holiday arrangements.
• All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the results of which are scrutinised by the Association
• Brochures and websites must always be accurate.
• Customers must receive professional service.
• All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise
• Members must actively support environmentally sustainable tourism.
AITO
represents some of Britain’s best specialist tour operators. Members are expected to deliver a high standard of customer service and work to a code of conduct before they can join the association.
AITO endorses:
• Members need to be properly insured to guarantee holiday arrangements.
• All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire, the results of which are scrutinised by the Association
• Brochures and websites must always be accurate.
• Customers must receive professional service.
• All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise
• Members must actively support environmentally sustainable tourism.