Trade associations, government departments, regulatory bodies and information/service providers (Learning Aim B) Flashcards
ABTA
Association of British Travel Agents.
Represents travel agents and tour operators. Regulates how they operate and makes sure things are sold/advertised fairly. Also can help consumers with disputes about a travel agent or operator.
ANTOR
Association of National Tourist Office Representative.
Represents and lobbies for tourists. Provides a forum for its members to meet and exchange ideas and also network with others sectors in the travel and tourism industry. Advocates for responsible tourism.
AITO
Association of Independent Tour Operators.
Represents specialist tour operators. Includes over 120 tour operators. Operators are financially assessed by AITO and abide by its code of business practise.
ATOL
Air Travel Organisers License.
It’s a government-run financial protection scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ATOL covers package holidays that include flights, and some flight only sales. Package holidays are required to come with ATOL protection by law.
CAA
Civil Aviation Authority.
Regulates UK aviation. Is an independent statutory organisation. Provide ATOL protection.
IATA.
International Air Transport Association. Represents around 265 airlines worldwide. Helps to create and enforce industry policies in aviation. International airline ticket sales must be accredited by IATA.
DCMS
Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Responsible for tourism in the UK. Government department that aims to promote and protect British tourism.
FCDO
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Responsible for the UK’s relationship with the rest of the world. Government department that offers advice on travelling internationally in terms of security, laws and safety. It also repatriates anyone who is stranded abroad in emergencies, such as natural disasters.
What is meant by lobby/lobbying
To try to get the government to change/do something.
What is arbitration?
The process of settling a third party (like ABTA), settling a dispute between two parties (like a customer and a travel agent).
What is statutory?
A legal requirement/a law passed by Parliament.
Main aims of information and promotional service providers?
These organisations are either pubically funded or are a combination of the public/private sector working together. They seek to promote their respective areas and bring in tourists to benefit their economies. They run advertising and promotional campaigns to attract inbound and domestic tourists. They provide information to tourists through websites. They collect data and statistics on tourism to help support the industry.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Responsible for the promotion of sustainable, responsible and universally accessible tourism worldwide. 158 members. Aims to promote economic growth through tourism, reduce poverty, provide education and training for people employed in travel and tourism, research and provide information/trends about tourism internationally and encourage sustainable tourism.
Visit-Britain
National tourist board for Britain, funded by the DCMS. Main roles and aims are to promote the UK destination and increase tourism in the UK. Supports UK tourist attractions and organisations. Provides research and information from visitors and businesses.
Destination management organisations (DMOs)
Co-ordinates all the different components of travel and tourism destinations such as attractions, transport, marketing, promotion and accommodation. DMOs build partnerships to make the destination more successful. For example, London and Partners.
