PATH is a united network of travel and hospitality stakeholders working together to promote Pondicherry as a premier tourism destination.

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+91 98942 87999

path.pdy@gmail.com

No. 63, Third Cross, Louis Reddiyar Thottam, Marie Oulgaret, Puducherry-605 010.

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 CODE of ETHICS

PONDICHERRY ASSOCIATION FOR TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY (PATH) 

(For Travel Agencies) 

Preamble 

The Pondicherry Association for Travel & Hospitality (PATH) is committed to promoting professionalism, integrity, and excellence in the travel and tourism industry. This Code of Ethics establishes guiding principles that all members must uphold to ensure fair business practices, trustworthiness, and a positive reputation for the travel trade community. By becoming a member of Pondicherry Association for Travel & Hospitality  , each travel agency or tour operator agrees to abide by this Code of Ethics in letter and spirit. 

1. Integrity & Transparency 
  • Members shall conduct business with honesty and fairness in all dealings with clients, partners, and fellow members. 
  • Advertising and promotional material shall be truthful, accurate, and not misleading. 
  • Pricing, inclusions, exclusions, and cancellation terms must be communicated clearly and upfront to clients. 
2. Compliance with Laws & Regulations 
  • Members shall comply with all applicable government laws, including licensing, taxation (GST), labor, and consumer protection laws. 
  • Members shall ensure adherence to immigration, airline, hotel, and other statutory rules in providing travel services. 
  • Members shall not engage in fraudulent practices such as fake ticketing, illegal visa arrangements, or money laundering. 
3. Client Responsibility 
  • Members shall act in the best interest of their clients, providing reliable information and professional guidance. 
  • Complaints and disputes shall be addressed promptly and fairly, with efforts made to achieve amicable resolutions. 
  • Client confidentiality must be respected; personal data shall not be misused. 
4. Fair Trade Practices
  • Members shall avoid poaching clients unethically from fellow members or spreading false information about competitors.
  • All commissions, service charges, and mark-ups shall be reasonable and justifiable.
  • Members shall maintain transparent dealings with suppliers, hotels, transporters, and partners.
5. Professional Competence
  • Members shall maintain a high level of knowledge, skills, and training relevant to travel and tourism.
  • Members shall keep staff updated on emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
  • Members shall not undertake services for which they lack proper expertise or resources.
6. Responsibility Towards Industry & Association
  • Members shall actively support Pondicherry Association for Travel & Hospitality (PATH) ’s mission of collaborative growth and ethical standards.
  • Participation in association meetings, training programs, and tourism promotional activities is encouraged.
  • Members shall avoid conduct that brings disrepute to the association or the travel industry.
7. Environmental & Social Responsibility
  • Members shall promote sustainable tourism practices, minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.
  • Members shall respect the local communities, heritage, and traditions of destinations promoted.
  • Members shall encourage travellers to adopt responsible travel behaviour.
8. Disciplinary Action
  • Any breach of this Code of Ethics may result in warnings, suspension, or termination of membership, as decided by the Governing Council.
  • Members agree to accept the Executive Committee decision in such matters as final and binding.