Travel and tour operators in Abu Dhabi begin implementing standard contracts

The new contract was introduced by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) in a bid to safeguard the interests of both parties.

The contract clearly spells out tourism services that travel and tour operators should offer to their clients during a specific time. In return, the benefits accrued by the agencies as a result of their services are also outlined. The move is a major boost to the quality of tourism services in Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The contracts include four sections, the first being the details about the customer in addition to correspondences that have been made with the operators. Travel details of the customers including 12-year old children should be provided. Section three covers details about flights including the duration. The fourth section covers details about additional services that are required by the customer including hotel reservation, car rental etc.

Commenting on this move, Nasser Al Reyami, Licensing and Classification Division Manager at the ADTA said the contact which is signed by the two parties, empowers the customers to reserve their rights in case the operators fails to honour the provisions of the contracts.

"This is a significant development. It would certainly boost the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi. It has made relations all the more transparent," he said.

He noted that the reservations contracts will check any violations that might be committed by tour operators. This transparency will boost tourists' confidence and thereby stimulate tourism growth in Abu Dhabi, he said.