Tourist/Travel Agent (Agent Turystyczny) in Poland
Definition
A tourist agent is a natural person or a legal entity that acts as an intermediary in the sale of tourist services. A tourist agent does not create or organize travel packages on their own but sells tourism services and package tours offered by tour operators.
Role and Responsibilities
Acts as an intermediary between tourists and tour operators.
Sells package tours, accommodation, transport services, and other tourism-related services.
Provides customers with reliable and accurate information about the offered services.
Concludes contracts on behalf of the tour operator or facilitates their conclusion.
Legal Requirements to Become a Tourist Agent in Poland
Business Registration
The tourist agent must be legally registered as a business entity in Poland.
Compliance with Tourism Law
The agent must operate in accordance with Polish tourism law and consumer protection regulations.
The agent is obliged to clearly inform customers that they act on behalf of a tour operator.
Cooperation with Licensed Tour Operators
Tourist agents may only sell offers of tour operators who are legally registered and entered into the official register of tour operators and travel agents.
Note: Under Polish law, tourist agents are not required to obtain a separate license or provide a financial guarantee, as they do not organize package tours themselves.
Tour Operator (Organizator Turystyki) in Poland
Definition
A tour operator is a natural person or a legal entity that organizes and offers package tours or individual tourist services for sale, either directly or through tourist agents. The tour operator bears full legal responsibility for the proper performance of the travel contract.
Role and Responsibilities
Creates, organizes, and sells package tours.
Combines at least two tourist services (e.g. transport and accommodation) into one package.
Concludes contracts directly with tourists or through tourist agents.
Is fully responsible for the quality and execution of all services included in the package.
Legal Requirements to Become a Tour Operator in Poland
Business Registration
The tour operator must be registered as a business entity in Poland.
Entry into the Official Register
The tour operator must be entered into the Register of Tour Operators and Travel Agents maintained by the Marshal of the Voivodeship - look here for license for GFP Travel
Financial Security
The tour operator must provide financial security in the form of:
an insurance guarantee,
a bank guarantee, or
an insurance policy
This security protects customers in case of insolvency and covers refunds and repatriation.
Compliance with Consumer and Safety Regulations
The tour operator must comply with Polish and EU consumer protection laws.
They must ensure the safety of travelers and proper performance of services.
Clear and transparent travel contracts must be provided to customers.
Key Differences Between a Tourist/Travel Agent and a Tour Operator
Scope of Activity
Tourist Agent: Sells and intermediates tourism services.
Tour Operator: Organizes and provides package tours.
Legal Responsibility
Tourist Agent: Responsible for correct mediation and information.
Tour Operator: Fully responsible for the execution of the travel package.
Financial Guarantees
Tourist Agent: Not required to provide a financial guarantee.
Tour Operator: Required to provide mandatory financial security.
Conclusion
In Polish tourism law, the distinction between a tourist agent and a tour operator is clear. A tourist agent acts as an intermediary, while a tour operator organizes and delivers travel services. Becoming a tour operator involves stricter legal, financial, and administrative requirements due to the higher level of responsibility toward travelers.
GFP Travel is a licensed tour operator but we have also a license of travel agent in Poland - look here for our entry in the Central Register.
