To monitor and close down

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   On the 30th of September the story of `Az tour` operator`s non-fulfillment of obligations took a new turn. According to information received by BANKO from a reliable source, the scandal resonated among Turkish hoteliers. Reportedly, they are seriously alarmed by the amount of debt accumulated during the season by many Russian tour companies. For instance, one of the key operators is indebted to the amount of $40 million. Influenced by the scandal around `Az tour`, Turkish hoteliers intend to take a more cautious approach to the task of choosing their partners on the Russian market.
   This information was immediately confirmed by the BANKO Information Service team. In an exclusive interview with Alyona Tsapenko, Osman Ayik, president of the Mediterranean Association of Touristic Hoteliers, said:
   «Such operators are a real headache for the Turkish hotelier… We intend to take the following measures: if hoteliers do not know an operator (for instance, it has recently entered the market), they will request a financial warranty, an agreed cash deposit. However, `Bentour` is one of the well-known operators, the majority of hoteliers from Turkey, including those in Antalia, know it. Therefore, I am sure that none of the Association`s members will request any financial warranties from it. This equally concerns `TEZ TOUR`, `Coral Travel`, and several other operators. They are trustworthy companies with a trusted name. No one will request the warranty from them as their honesty and solvency do not raise any doubts. However, the newcomers will have to face certain difficulties because of the story of `Az tour`. I would like to emphasize the importance of financial warranties and the western system of their provision. The Russian authorities have recently created a system of financial warranties, and it is possible there is even a law with regards to it. The Federal Tourism Agency of the Russian Federation and other organizations should constantly monitor participants in the travel market and close down dishonest companies as their activity can negatively affect the whole market.
   There is also another problem – the owners of these companies. Let us assume that one company operates under one name until its owners face some problems. Then they close down their tour operator or tour agency and establish a new enterprise the following year. But the owners are the same! Therefore, Russian travel authorities must monitor this too. It might be worthwhile to establish an Information Office for monitoring the activity of travel company owners. It is a piece of cake to change the name of a company and enter the market with a clean slate.
   Finally, I want to stress once again: we welcome Russian guests now and in future, and we will be very happy to see the flow of tourists from Russia to our country increase. However, we need to solve such problems together, it is important to cooperate.»