Code of Ethics - Guiding Principles for Members

Preamble

We live in a world in which travel has become both increasingly important and complex in its variety of modes and choices. Travelers are faced with a myriad of alternatives as to transportation, accommodations and other travel services. Travelers must depend on travel agencies and others in the industry to guide them honestly and competently. All Ita World members pledge themselves to conduct their business activities in a manner that promotes the ideal of integrity in travel and agree to act in accordance with the applicable sections of the following Principles of the Ita World Code of Ethics. Complaints arising under this Code should be filed in writing with the Ita World Consumer Affairs Department.

Responsibilities of Incoming Travel Agent, Premium, International Travel Agency Company and International Travel Agent Associate Members:

1. Accuracy. Ita World members will be factual and accurate when providing information about their services and the services of any firm they represent. They will not use deceptive practices.

2. Disclosure. Ita World members will provide in writing, upon written request, complete details about the cost, restrictions, and other terms and conditions, of any travel service sold, including cancellation and service fee policies. Full details of the time, place, duration, and nature of any sales or promotional presentation the consumer will be required to attend in connection with his/her travel arrangements shall be disclosed in writing before any payment is accepted.

3. Responsiveness. Ita World members will promptly respond substantively to their clients' complaints. 

4. Refunds. Ita World members will remit any undisputed funds under their control within the specified time limit. Reasons for delay in providing funds will be given to the claimant promptly.

5. Cooperation. Ita World members will cooperate with any inquiry conducted by Ita World to resolve any dispute involving consumers.

6. Confidentiality. Ita World members will treat every client transaction confidentially and not disclose any information without permission of the client, unless required by law.

7. Affiliation. Ita World members will not falsely represent a person's affiliation with their firm.

8. Conflict of Interest. Ita World members will not allow any preferred relationship with a supplier to interfere with the interests of their clients.

9. Compliance. Ita World members shall not have been convicted of a violation of any regional, state and local laws and regulations affecting consumers.  Pleas of nolo contendere, consent judgments, judicial or administrative decrees, or orders, and assurances of voluntary compliance and similar agreements with federal or state authorities shall be deemed convictions for purposes of these provisions.

Responsibilities of All Members:

1. Notice. Ita World members operating tours will promptly advise the agent or client who reserved the space of any change in itinerary, services, features or price. 

2. Delivery. Ita World members operating tours will provide all components as stated in their brochure or written confirmation, or provide alternate services of equal or greater value, or provide appropriate compensation.

3. Credentials. An Ita World member shall not, in exchange for money or otherwise, provide travel agent credentials to any person as to whom there is no reasonable expectation that the person will engage in a bona fide effort to sell or manage the sale of travel services to the general public on behalf of the member through the period of validity of such credentials. This principle applies to the Ita World member and all affiliated or commonly controlled enterprises.

Conclusion

Failure to adhere to this Code may subject a member to disciplinary actions, as set forth in Ita World.