Travel law requires improvement in the run-up to Euro 2012

Volcanic eruption in Iceland showed that Ukrainian legislation does not prepared to solve conflicts between tourists, airlines and travel companies in the event of force majeure situations.

Experts believe that such a provision in domestic legislation, not only inhibits the development of the tourism industry, but also very desirable on the eve of Euro 2012, because for foreign tourists who will visit Ukraine, issues related to compliance with the rights and safety are very important. Senior partner of law firm "ILF" Elena Kibenko reported that domestic legislation on tourism does not contain mechanisms to respond adequately in cases where the relationship between tourists and tour companies are complicated with force majeure situations. "Today the Ukrainian tourist does not know what the legal mechanisms to protect their interests, he can use, to whom it must assert their claims - a travel agent, tour operator, carrier, hotel, insurance company, the court of a State should seek to protect their rights, however, and travel company require protection - because in case of force majeure, and they can be seriously affected by the action of the carrier or hotel, often refuse to return the amounts received down payment "- the expert said. According to her, to solve conflicts between tourists and tourist agencies could be considerably easier if lawmakers approved the form of a model contract for the provision of tourism services. The absence of such a document today leads to the fact that most tourists are forced to sign treaties on the environment, the maximum travel company to protect against possible claims of tourists. According to Acting President of the Association of Leaders of tourist industry of Ukraine (ALTU), director of "Pan Ukraine" Elena Shapovalova, draft model contract developed and already sent to the Association of Leaders of tourist industry of Ukraine to the Cabinet of Ministres of Ukraine for consideration and approval. ALTU is also sent to the Cabinet a formal letter of request to take measures that would minimize the impact of the closure of airspace in Europe for the citizens of Ukraine. "In this letter, we proposed a working group under the Cabinet of Ministers, comprising representatives from relevant central executive authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Trade and Industry Chamber, as well as professional associations of market participants travel services. The objectives of this body should be be to develop an algorithm for rapid response to the force majeure situation, the definition of areas of responsibility of market participants, as well as the creation of a compensation mechanism. Our initiative is supported by the Foreign Ministry, and we hope a positive solution to this issue, "- said Elena Shapovalova.

Association Leaders of tourist industry of Ukraine (ALTU) - the first professional association of tourist activities. Founded in 2007 by leading tour operators in Ukraine. ALTU implements projects aimed at promoting all kinds of tourism in Ukraine, the harmonization of relations between public authorities and stakeholders of tourism activities.

May 13, Vladimir Fomenko - Ukrinform