Associations

[socrates]

Currently doing research on setting up a business in the travel sector - despite the recent press that it is not the best of moments to do so.

However, I am having problems with the number of associations around: ABTA, AITO, ATOL, AETA, ARTAR, ASTA, CAA, CIMTIG, IAPA, IATA, IATM, TIPTO and so on.

Do you know which are the best - in terms of accreditation, customer recognition, and industry peers? More so for an independent start up travel agent (taking costs of joining as well i.e. bonds)

Your advice is very much in need & appreciated.

Can't wait to hear back!

[Sarah Jones]

The right accreditation will very much depend on which aspect of the Travel sector you wish to join. If you want to set up as a 'Travel Agent' then you will most certainly need to be fully bonded and ATOL is the most used.

Contact the CAA for more details on ATOL bonding and the current requirements. They are the best place for you to start. It is a daunting process but you cannot operate without one.

However, if you are looking at a different sector in travel other than flights, then let me know as different areas may apply.

This is certainly a brave time to start so I would certainly ensure that your business plan is water tight and you have plenty of funding as the year ahead is certainly going to be very bumpy.

Good luck