UK College of Business: Legislation and Ethics in Travel and Tourism

This report provides a comprehensive overview of legislation and ethics within the travel and tourism sector. It delves into the significance of contracts, specifically for package holidays, and the importance of adhering to consumer protection laws. The report examines key legislation such as the Montreal Convention, the Consumer Protection Act, the Trade Description Act 1968, and the Package Travel Legislation. It also explores contracts for the provision of services and supply of goods, emphasizing the requirements for valid contracts. Furthermore, the report addresses the Food Safety Act 1984, highlighting its role in ensuring the safety and quality of food sold by commercial enterprises. The analysis is contextualized within the framework of the International Airlines Group, illustrating the practical implications of these laws and ethical considerations for businesses in the travel and tourism industry.

Legislation and ethics in travel and tourism sector
A contract refers to an agreement with two or more groups. It regulates validity, relations and representation
of agreement with different parties. The contract for package holidays should be formed according to the
customers needs and demands. In context to International Airlines Group, company should consider various
rules and regulations while offering package holidays.
Contracts for package holidays:- Package holiday is combination of various travel services composed for
the intention of identical trip. A package holiday must consist following elements like - accommodation,
transport, and another travelling services. The company should match the requirements of regulations related
to holidays.
Provide accurate information about packages:- While offering package holidays the company must
provide complete details and description about all activities related to the trip.
Liable for the services by sub-contractors:- The company should take responsibility for the services
provided by sub- contractors, as they are adventure alternative who serves customers during trips. Services
like – safety measures, risk assessments, etc.
Adopting sensible precautions:- The company should update intrinsic systems involving contracts, terms
and conditions and keep staff informed about those changes which impacts customers holiday.
Clearly explain accommodation:- The company should describe all details related to accommodation,
comfort and specific features according to their services.
Montreal convention:- According to article 19 the company should be liable for the damages caused to
travellers due to any reason.
Contract for provision of services:- Service contract is an agreement with two parties in which one accepts
to provide particular service to another. It is not like a bond. A service agreement should involve all
information and frequency about the services, the company is providing. Determining the categories or
people to whom company serves, payment for services, strategy for any contingency, etc. must be
considered. The company should include following information:
Work statement, Payment terms, Acceptance, Remedies and warranties, Contractor's liability, Termination,
Suspension of performance, Sub-contract work and other general terms.
Contract for supply of goods:- In supply of goods and services act the company should provide their
services and supply goods according to rules and regulations of the contract. In context to International
Airlines Group the company should supply better travel and tourism facilities by considering various laws.
In case of not providing better hotel accommodation, transport, etc. the consumer have right to sue the
company.
Valid contracts:- Valid contract refers to an agreement in written between two persons, in order to supply a
service. There are some essentials in a contract which makes it binding and legal written document. An
enforceable contract must consist two parties intent to fulfil their expectations. A valid contract should
include following information – aim to create legal relations, proper acceptation and offer, both parties
capacity, lawful objective, should not be declared illegal, etc.
Consumer Protection Act:- The consumer protection act is for customers protection. It involves customers
rights and responsibilities while purchasing any goods or services. Customers should be aware about their
rights provided by the government, for their safety and protection. The manufacturers are below the
commitment duty to their customers. Consumers have right to know about the product or service or whatever
they are buying. The manufacturer should consider all the necessary information required to products like –
ingredients, manufacture and expiry date, quantity, quality, attributes, etc. This act protects customer in
following ways:
Goods which are not safe for them, Malpractices or illegal behaviour, General council can grap the products
which are unsafe for consumers health.
Trade Description Act 1968:- This act compacts with products and services description, which are
commercial. The Trade Description Act is return to its place by Merchandise Marks Act 1887 to 1957.
Different new provisions were added after this act related to goods misdiscription which are traded. This act
is to protect customers from misdescription of products and services faced, provide by the hotel. Under this
act the hotel should provide their services according to the description. In case if hotel is not providing goods
and services by statement then, the customer can file case against the hotel under section 14 of the act.
Package Travel Legislation:- The package travel regulation is for safety of individuals. According to this
act it is the responsibility of the tour operator to provide all the details and information regarding tour to the
travellers. In context to, International Airlines Group the company should render all details written in their
information sheet and must provide the facilities to customers as mentioned in their sheet. If the company
fails to fulfil the requirements and facilities according to their status then it should be treated unfair trading.
In that case the travellers have the right to sue against hotel.
Food Safety Act 1984:- The aim of this act is to deal with the planning, policies, and resources for the safety
and quality of food sold by various commercial enterprises. This act involves certain principles which are
mentioned below:
Legislation should be in fair and objective manner, There should be transparency for enforcement activities
between consumers and businesses, Proper accountability and reports of food activities to management, Risk
management will be according to the principles and guidelines, Decisions must be on the basis of evidence
and consequences, Encouragement for the innovation and developing effective strategies of food,
Precautionary principle, which means effective measures for the safety of food to protect customers from
health threats.