Contract Legislation and Consumer Protection in Travel and Tourism

This report examines contract legislation and ethics within the travel and tourism sector, focusing on the legal framework governing contracts and consumer protection. It analyzes different types of contracts, including those for the supply of goods, provision of services, and holiday packages, highlighting the rights and obligations of both travel agencies and customers. The report emphasizes the importance of consumer protection legislation, such as the Trade Descriptions Act and the Consumer Protection Act, in safeguarding consumers from unfair practices and ensuring fair trading. Furthermore, it discusses the Package Tour Regulation of 1992 and its implications for holiday firms and tour operators. The report uses the example of Brightsun travel agency to illustrate how these laws and regulations apply in practice, emphasizing the need for transparency, ethical conduct, and adherence to legal standards within the industry to build customer loyalty and ensure consumer satisfaction. It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and ethical considerations that shape the travel and tourism landscape.

LEGISLATION AND ETHICS IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Evaluate contract legislation in relation to travel and tourism customers:
Contract is considered as an agreement which is legally bind with laws and regulations. It came
into force when all involved parties agree to the conditions and terms which are specified in it. For
example, when a travelling agency like Brightsun travels provides add-on in travelling package,
both customer and travel agent needs to agree on all the add-on's, price, terms and conditions. Any
party which broke the contract needs to pay fine to the party which suffered because of this.
Legislations related with contract law are mentioned beneath:
Contracts for supply of goods: It is an agreement through which a company or supplier assures to
supply all the ordered services and goods that a customer needs within specific time and at fixed
rates. In UK supply contract is a crucial contract. This contract is followed by Brightsun travel
agency and due to this company offers discounted price and other monetary advantages to its
customers. It provides right of both Brightsun company and concerned customers.
Contracts for provision of service: It is an agreement among two individuals or businesses in which
one party agree to deliver a specific service to other. This agreement is different from a bond as it
legally binds both parties which are involved. Brightsun travels use this general service agreement
to provide services like transportation, food and accommodation to their potential clients. Brightsun
travels also follows Consultant, Artist and child care services to their clients.
Contracts related to holiday package: Under customer Law, a holiday package contract is a pre-
arranged vacation which is given in return of inclusive price which involves overnight stay. These
contracts are signed by company and customers in which they legally finalize the facilities which
are provided by company in return of money. Brightsun travel follow this contract and provide
facilities like overnight stay, transportation, service or activity which is not linked with
accommodation and transport, accommodation and many more. Company needs to provide three
facilities to customers. If these facilities are not provided, company have to face the consequences
such as paying heavy fines.
Unfair contracts: In case of Brightsun travel agency, clauses of this contract indirectly or directly
limits the advantages and rights of a customers. Rights which are given to customers in contract
law became invalid in these condition. Company or consumers can take advantage of this contract
if other party is using unfair means to enjoy the privileges offered in the contract.
Consumer protection legislation in relation to travel and tourism customers
Consumer protection legislation is basically a group of laws and policies which ensures rights of
consumers along with trading via fair means. This law protects individuals from unfair practices
and frauds which a company adopts to enjoy competitive advantage against rival firms. These laws
are formulated and regulated by government to provide welfare to the citizens of UK. Brightsun
travel agency follows these laws to gain customers loyalty as these laws ensure safety to customers
while dealing and interacting with company. Some of these laws are mentioned beneath:
Trade description Act, 1968: This Act safeguard rights of consumers from retailers, service industry
and manufacturers which can misleads them to gain competitive advantage in business. Providing
wrong information about a product or service is a big liability and company needs to face serious
consequences and penalties in this case. If employees and managers of Brightsun agency tries to
mislead customers by any means, victim customers can take advantage of this act to protect itself
for the loss.
Consumer protection Act: This Act is regulated by UK parliament and safeguards the interest of
customers which are dealing and interacting with the company. Consumer councils are established
which focus on protecting the rights of consumers. If Brightsun travel agency provides poor
services to their customers or charge them extra amount, under this act customer can file a case
against the company. This Act guarantees the consumer that amount which they have paid is secure
and in return company will provide them expected and desired services.
Package tour regulation, 1992: This regulation states that holiday firms and tour operators have to
follow the rules which are mentioned in booking terms and conditions of the concerned
organisation. To get the benefit of this regulation the package given to customer by Brightsun
agency must meet aspects like package needs to be sold for sale in United Kingdom and must be of
inclusive price. Also, package should have at least two facilities such as Transportation,
accommodation, food and many more.