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Membership in national agents association is usually open to retail travel agents and tour operators. The standards laid down by the association for the membership are suitable premises, qualified staff, sound financial position, good business reputation and acceptable trading name. The members of a national travel agents association must comply with a “code of conduct” prescribed by the association, the subjects which are usually covered by such code are conduct between agents and the public, conduct between agents who are members of the association, conduct between agents and other industry principals, standards of service, advertising standards and accounting procedures. In articles of association the additional provisions and requirements are keeping and submission of book of accounts, inspection of premises by officials of the association, notification of changes in the financial structure or control of the agency, sales of travel arrangements organized by agents who are not members of the association and termination of membership, penalties and possibilities of appeal. The members of the association usually have to pay an application and entrance fee, plus an annual subscription for each registered office. The amount of the subscription is decided by the association according to the turnover of the agency. |
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