The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has decided to formulate and implement a code of ethics for its membership - ‘Code of Conduct for Inbound Tour Operators Regulation, 2012’. While announcing the broad parameters of the proposed code at the association’s monthly meeting, Rajiv Kohli, Vice President, IATO,
said its objective was to improve quality and professionalism in the membership. The draft code will be circulated among the members and the Executive Committee will finalise it after reviewing the feedback, he said. Kohli hoped that the code would be finalized and implemented within three to four weeks. Later, while speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, Kohli said that the code of conduct is quite comprehensive and has been formulated after studying similar existing codes in other national and international associations. “A code of conduct is something any mature industry needs, and quite frankly, having a code of good practices is a sign of a mature industry and membership. IATO, as an industry association, has been getting complaints from various members, clients, hotels, employees and competitors on various unethical practices. We felt that it is important to have something in black and white so that members can be clearer with regards to where they stand now and what is expected,” he said. Complaints arising under the code will be heard and settled by the IATO Legal & Grievances Cell. Kohli said that those who do not adhere to the spirit of the code of conduct or any breach of the articles will call for disciplinary action, including expulsion from membership. The code, while underlining the right of the membership to strive for profits while doing business, also reminds members of their obligations to customers and suppliers. “We believe in a policy of proper conduct with courtesy to all individuals with whom we deal, and in prompt and undisputedly excellent service to all our customers and business associates,” it states. In order to prevent poaching of staff, the code stipulates that the membership must issue a proper Letter of Intent at the time of recruitment of new staff as well as seek a No objection certificate issued by the previous employer.
Click here to see the original article>said its objective was to improve quality and professionalism in the membership. The draft code will be circulated among the members and the Executive Committee will finalise it after reviewing the feedback, he said. Kohli hoped that the code would be finalized and implemented within three to four weeks. Later, while speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, Kohli said that the code of conduct is quite comprehensive and has been formulated after studying similar existing codes in other national and international associations. “A code of conduct is something any mature industry needs, and quite frankly, having a code of good practices is a sign of a mature industry and membership. IATO, as an industry association, has been getting complaints from various members, clients, hotels, employees and competitors on various unethical practices. We felt that it is important to have something in black and white so that members can be clearer with regards to where they stand now and what is expected,” he said. Complaints arising under the code will be heard and settled by the IATO Legal & Grievances Cell. Kohli said that those who do not adhere to the spirit of the code of conduct or any breach of the articles will call for disciplinary action, including expulsion from membership. The code, while underlining the right of the membership to strive for profits while doing business, also reminds members of their obligations to customers and suppliers. “We believe in a policy of proper conduct with courtesy to all individuals with whom we deal, and in prompt and undisputedly excellent service to all our customers and business associates,” it states. In order to prevent poaching of staff, the code stipulates that the membership must issue a proper Letter of Intent at the time of recruitment of new staff as well as seek a No objection certificate issued by the previous employer.