Tourism regulation in United Kingdom

Tourism is an invisible export Tourism is an invisible export. This means that if tourists spend their money in the UK it brings the same benefit to our economy as if they buy goods in their own country that have been exported from the UK. That is why it very important sector of economy and it needs own legislation.

Tourism Act 1969 This established a British Tourist Authority and tourist boards for England, Scotland and Wales. The British Tourist Authority (BTA) and the English Tourism Council (ETC) have now been merged to form VisitBritain. The Act’s aim was to co-ordinate all the organisations that make up the tourism industry and provide it with a single voice.

Transport Acts 1980 and 1985 The 1980 Act ended licensing regulations affecting express coach routes and tours of over 30 miles. It led to competition between National Bus (then a public company) and private companies. The 1985 Act brought about wholesale de-regulation. This meant private companies could operate on any route

Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 As a result of an EC Directive, since 1992 all UK tour operators offering package holidays have been subject to the Package Travel Regulations. The regulations set out the tour operators’ responsibilities to their customers and what those customers can do if the regulations are breached. If there is a breach, the customer has a case against the tour operator not each individual supplier. More recent legislation will impact on the tourism industry in the UK, including changes to licensing laws and bans on smoking in public places.

No mandatory certificate or license To open a travel agency, you do not need license or certification, however,it will be a big adv if you enter into some trade association. Most recognized trade association is the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). It is also the most expensive, it is little bit cheaper to be a member of Travel Trust Association (TTA) or the Global Travel Group.

License! You are required by law to provide a bond to reimburse clients if your company should fail financially, this is arranged with a bank or insurance company. Also, you have to have Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) which allows you to sell airline tickets. Without it you would be confined to providing accommodation and ground transport only.

Membership of a trade association tells suppliers that you have a strong and supported business and customers will be reassured knowing their money is protected.

Department for Culture, Media & Sport The tourism sector is refer to Department for Culture, Media & Sport The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is here to help make Britain the world’s most creative and exciting place to live, visit and do business. We protect and promote our cultural and artistic heritage and help businesses and communities to grow by investing in innovation and highlighting Britain as a fantastic place to visit. DCMS is a ministerial department, supported by 44 agencies and public bodies.

Tourism Minister John Penrose