Voluntary service charity VSOhas accused many tour operators of failing to give sufficient advice to tourists travelling to developing countries.
A survey of 50 operators carrying customers to Kenya, Thailand, India, The Gambia or Tanzania showed that 32 gave inadequate advice and five none at all. Thomson, Kuoni and British Airways Holidays were praised, while Thomas Cook and Hayes and Jarvis came in for criticism.
Companies were tested on 15 categories covering advice on respecting local people and customs, interacting with the economy and respecting the environment. Those who gave advice in seven categories or more were judged to have reached the VSO’s minimum standard.
VSOhead of development education Dan Rees said: “We would not send a volunteer to a developing country without giving them information about the culture they are visiting. That way our volunteers don’t inadvertently offend local people. We believe that tourists are entitled to a basic level of advice for the same reason.”
The VSOwants the Foreign Office to start giving cultural advice to tourists, as well as dangers to avoid while overseas.
Association of Independent Tour Operators chairman Paul Chandler admitted his members hadn’t performed as well in the VSO survey as he would have liked.
The organisation is currently working with the VSO to draw up a code of conduct for operators on ethical and sustainable tourism.
A Federation of Tour Operators spokesman said its members pass on relevant Foreign Office and Department of Health advice. He said it also highlights sources of advice for customers and travel agents via its own Internet site, as well as to the Ceefax travel information service.