The Travel Law in Russia Needs Revision

On the 2-nd of February 2015, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation was discussing the changes to tourism law in Russia.

According to the members of the Chamber, the new legislative project has number of disvantages which can result in new bancrupts of small tour operators, monopolization of tourism industry, and therefore, prce increase for tour packages.

Among serios disadvantages of the new legislative initiative, the experts note the following. First, it is not clearly stated what is emergency aid. The law has to clarify, if tour operators should be responsible for return of tourists not only in case on tour operator bancruptcy, but also in case of any other emergency situations, like act of war or natural disasters. Second, the relations between tour operator and travel agents are not clearly stated. The law has to define who has to be in charge for unsatisfactory service. 

As Oleg Safonov said, the Head of Federal Agency fo Tourism, - We have to correct weak points in the legislative, but not to hit the tourism industry. 

Written by Russian Travel Digest