Tour Operator or Travel Agent: France based in UK

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Permalink Reply by Alex Bainbridge on May 9, 2009 at 9:59am

Hi Ludovic

A travel agent tends to sell someone elses product. A tour operator tends to sell their own (or takes responsibility for the delivery of someone else's product).

Best way to tell the difference is what happens if there is an injury to a customer. If you are a travel agent - it isn't your problem - but if you are a tour operator - it is normally your insurance that covers it.

I suggest you search this forum for

- TTA (Travel Trust Association)
- IPP London

Best wishes

Alex

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Permalink Reply by Ludo on May 21, 2009 at 3:53pm

Thanks Alex for your answer.

I will check TTA and IPP London.

I might contact you in the future for other issues.

Kind regards

Ludo

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Permalink Reply by Nicola Young on June 30, 2009 at 1:00pm

Hi everyone,

Further to this question, I am also in the process of setting up a tour operator company registered in the UK and operating out of France.

Does anyone know, do I need to be registered in France even though we'll be operating from a 'home' office in France?

Also are there tax implications for a business generating revenue from Tour Sales in France, but registered in UK?

We have tried Business Link, but they tell me it is very complex and we should speak to a Professional Advisor.

Any thoughts to help through this minefield, or recommendations of advisors would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nicola

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Permalink Reply by James Morris on July 9, 2009 at 11:08pm

Hi Again,

I am new to this forum, but I think this is a good question from Nicola above.
I have a similar question in that I would like to set up a tour operator company in Ireland, but whose clients are mainly UK based, traveling to continental Europe. I need to keep my start up costs to a minimum while I test the size of the market. Any advice welcome on the applicable legislation for me? And roughly what I need to start, ATOL membership etc?
Many thanks,
James

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Permalink Reply by Ceri Tinley on June 28, 2010 at 10:47am

We have a uk tour operator running chalets in France; We have a UK Limited company with a French branch.

If you are are going to be employing staff who are working in France you really have to take advice and to ensure you are covered if you are living and working in France.

Andy Eggleston at EWP http://www.ewp.uk.com i have found to be great - they are uk accountants who work along side french accountants - so no duplication of work in both countries.

If you are going to employ staff then best person to speak to is Sally McFarlane at www.montagnepartners.com/ .

Good luck
Ceri

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Permalink Reply by Chaya on June 11, 2010 at 3:39pm

Hello everyone,

Did anyone find the answer to where to be registered

'France even though we'll be operating from a 'home' office in France?'

and

'Also are there tax implications for a business generating revenue from Tour Sales in France, but registered in UK?'

Any help would be much appreciated

Chaya

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