New rules to upgrade capital's travel agents

Abu Dhabi: The body representing Abu Dhabi's travel trade yesterday said the new licensing rules for travel agencies will raise industry standards and help promote the emirate as a tourist destination.

"We believe the new rules will assist the travel agents to upgrade their standard and it will give space to serious and professional travel agents to operate in a better environment," said Hani Khorsheed, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Agencies Committee (Attac).

Set up in 2000, Attac is the sole representative of travel agents in Abu Dhabi and is recognised by international travel organisations such as IATA.

"We do believe such rules will assist in developing and promoting Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination," he said.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (Adta), which took over as the licensing authority for travel agencies from the Abu Dhabi Municipality earlier this year, stipulated new rules and regulations for the travel trade. These include a minimum bank guarantee of Dh100,000 for each business activity, a minimum office space of 50 square metres, in addition to other requirements.

In August, Gulf News reported that small travel agencies are unable to meet the stringent requirements and are likely to close down.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has issued a decree appointing new executive committee members of Attac. Some seven members have been appointed representing the government and travel agencies.