The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has called the amendments to the bill introduced by State Duma deputies from United Russia, on confirmation of hotel payments by tour operators within 24 hours, technically unfeasible, Interfax-Tourism reports, citing the legal ATOR service.
Previously, United Russia faction deputies proposed requiring tour operators to provide customers with proof of payment for hotel accommodation no later than 24 hours after purchasing the tour. Otherwise, tourists may demand a full refund for the accommodation plus a fine of 10%. Tour operators are required to comply with these requirements within one day.
"The proposed amendments demonstrate that their authors are simply unfamiliar with the specifics of the tourism industry—both domestically and internationally. Each tour operator has its own partnership agreements with hotels or host companies. And bringing everyone under the same umbrella is simply impossible—both technically and in business interests," said Nadezhda Efremova, head of the association's legal service.
According to N. Efremova, there are a number of hotels with which the tour operator works only on a prepayment basis, while there are also accommodations with which the tour company pays, for example, quarterly or makes partial payments. Furthermore, foreign hoteliers are not required to comply with Russian law.
"The proposed fines for tour operators for not providing documents confirming payment for a hotel room within 24 hours also raise questions. Fines in this case are contrary to consumer protection laws," she noted.
Source: trn-news.ru