Regulation of Travel and Tourism Industries A Brief Overview
Abstract
Regulation of Travel and Tourism Industries A Brief Overview SAGE Publications, Inc.1975DOI: 10.1177/001088047501500405 John E.H.Sherry School of Hotel Administration Cornell University THE UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH of tourism and travel within the United States and abroad during the postwar era, and the economic and cultural benefits that such activities generate, have for the most part reflected credit upon travel agents, tour operators, and related enterprises. Yet there has been growing public agitation for governmental regulation of the industry due to nefarious practices of some tour operators and agents. Significantly, a number of foreign countries either license private entrepreneurs who engage in travel and tourist activities, or make tourism an exclusive state enterprise. The Egyptian model described in the accompanying article exemplifies the licensing approach and reflects the importance such governments attach to this subject. Many foreign countries require the achievement of professional status as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license; i.e., Egyptian tour guides must acquire an approved university degree or its equivalent in order to qualify. Two reasons justify the scope and stringency of supervision contained in current foreign legislation. First, the maintenance of a positive worldwide image, and second, the need to raise revenue to upgrade