WHAT IS A TOUR OPERATOR ?
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'THERE seemed to be some doubt as
I to what constituted a bona fide tour operator, at a meeting in London last week to discuss a proposed Association of British Tour Operators. According to the draft constitution, a bona fide operator was "one who is engaged in the organization of inclusive tours or holidays for sale ".
Quoting examples, Mr. M. Graham of Hosts Ltd., chairman of the proposed association, said that the Ramblers Association was the type of tour operator they had in mind. So was the organizer of Methodist Guild Holidays. A travel agent would definitely not qualify, however.
The aims of ABTO were to meet the particular needs of and to speak on behalf of tour operators who are members of the Association; to provide facilities for the meeting of member operators and for the co-ordination of their activities on a national and regional basis; to establish standards of conduct for members in the interests of the trade and of the general public; to promote good relations between the Association and other reputable organizations in the travel and tourist industry; and to engage in all other relevant activities.
A council of seven members includes Mr. G. Mayers, of Kenilworth Tours Ltd., the only coach operator represented.
The suggestion was made at last week's meeting that a tour operator should be a "provider of transport ". Mr. Graham suggested that membeship should be restricted to people who produced a brochure, with a circulation of at least 1,000 copies. Under this category, many coach operators would definitely qualify.
Mr. Graham's address is: Hosts Ltd., 50 Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.