The Natalie Tours situation has had its impact on the market, with legislators once again deciding to improve industry legislation to best protect tourists' interests.
This time the deputies prepared a bill, providing for changes Article 10 of the Federal Law "On the Fundamentals of Tourism Activity in the Russian Federation." Specifically, it is proposed to require tourist agencies to issue tourists documents confirming direct payment by the tour operator for a hotel or other accommodation, and in the case of payment in installments, documents confirming partial payment.
"Payment documents (partial payment) must be issued to the tourist and/or other customer no later than 24 hours after the tourist and/or other customer transfers funds to the tour operator. In the event of a violation of this obligation, the tour operator is obligated to pay the tourist or other customer a fine of 10% on the amount transferred by the tourist to the tour operator as payment for the hotel or other accommodation and grants the tourist or other customer the right to demand termination of the contract and a refund of the amount paid. The period for payment of the fine and refund of the amount paid is one day from the date of this request." the text of the bill states.
The authors of the document believe that such a measure will minimize unplanned financial risks for tourists.
"Experience shows that, instead of receiving funding from credit institutions, tour operators prefer to use tourists' money gratuitously, which ultimately increases the risk of violation of their rights. Therefore, establishing an obligation for tour operators (agents) to provide tourists with proof of payment for accommodation and liability for violations of this obligation will help put an end to the aforementioned unsound practices," is noted in the explanatory note to the bill.
Experts believe this measure will not protect tourists.
"There's already a regulation requiring tourists to be issued tickets no later than 24 hours before departure. As the Natalie case shows, this regulation hasn't saved anyone. The lawmakers' proposed regulation won't protect tourists either.
Operators will be able to stipulate in their contracts that a voucher is the document confirming payment. Or will paying 1% of the accommodation price—which the bill allows—save tourists? However, for reputable operators, this law will make life even more difficult.
The results are predictable: rising prices and reduced competition. In short, the bill is met with skepticism," he notes. Alexander Bayborodin, owner of the company "Lawyers for the tourism business Bayborodin and Partners".
Source: trn-news.ru