ATOR Criticized Amendments to Legislative About Tourism Industry in Russia

ATOR criticized amendments to legislative about tourism industry in Russia which were discussed on February 25, 2015 in the State Duma. Russian tour operators explained that the current legislative takes into account either real situation in tourism industry neither economic situation in the country.

The main complaints of tour operators are still relate to financial guarantees, an obligatory condition for tour operating in Russia. “Requirements, suggested in the bill, are inexecutable, - explained Vladimir Kantorovich, the first vice-president of ATOR.

Kantorovich mentioned that insurance of major tour operators in this case should amount 500 million to 3 billion rubles. But either insurance company neither bank is willing to give guarantee for such amount.

As an alternative, ATOR offered to use funds of personal and corporate responsibility of tour operators in the rate of 500 rubles and 100 rubles accordingly. Tour operators explained the advantages of their suggestion so that the customer will be assured to be able to count on compensation since the money will be reserved the funds before his/her trip.

ATOR also disliked the article about obligation of travel agents to work only on behalf and upon authorization of tour operators, since it sidewise restricts the right of Russian citizens for leisure and freedom of travel.

ATOR also dissatisfied the article about implementation of united system of electronic trip passes. They pointed out that creating of such system contradicts with current legislative, for example regarding privacy right.