The Federation of Tour Operators has introduced a code of practice for land transport in an effort to standardise safety guidelines that currently vary by country.
FTO members have already signed up to the code, the first to apply to all land-transport arrangements including transfers and excursions.
Suppliers will be asked to implement guidelines and undergo an audit within 12 months. This will include a check on drivers’ licenses, the provision of breaks and condition of vehicles. Companies will be graded and access to the code subsequently extended to all members of travel association ABTA.
FTO director general and ABTA head of development Andy Cooper said: “The code is intended to close the safety gaps in provision of land transport created by widely differing standards worldwide.”