Eximtur requests ANT to provide the list of agencies currently operating legally
Eximtur requests ANT to provide the list of agencies currently operating legally
Lucia Morariu, the owner of the Eximtur travel agency, is of the opinion that the National Authority for Tourism (ANT), poorly funded and under a ministry with other priorities, currently lacks a coherent software program to manage agencies and hotels, lacks enough employees for real and effective control, and lacks tourism laws adapted to the present day.
She says that if the Government does not urgently involve itself in the relicensing of tourist service sales activities, with or without tourism licenses, there will be chaos in the market and misery caused by scammers.
Lucia Morariu’s statements come in the context where ANT recently drafted a list of nearly 1,400 agencies whose operating licenses were withdrawn because they could not provide proof of bankruptcy insurance policies. Heavy names in tourism, such as Eximtur or Paralela 45, also appeared on this list.
Eximtur appeared on this list because of two companies operating under franchise that were not owned by Lucia Morariu’s company. Consequently, Eximtur sent an inquiry to ANT through a law firm, asking whether the license of any of the company’s offices had been withdrawn, and the institution officially replied that the licenses are valid.
Lucia Morariu also points out that Eximtur has guarantees covering 1 million EUR for airline tickets and says she is willing to guarantee the same amount for tourism, but only if serious fair competition rules are introduced in the market.
Eximtur also requests ANT to provide the list of agencies currently operating legally and to take responsibility for it, as this is important for customers.
Eximtur also calls on the Government to urgently change legislation and procedures, ensure transparent and serious licensing criteria, impose real money guarantees, verify the activity and financial indicators of agencies, and control how taxes and salary taxes are paid.
Why did Eximtur appear on the list of agencies with revoked licenses?
Eximtur was included on the list due to two franchised locations that were not directly owned by the parent company. ANT later officially confirmed that Eximtur’s licenses remain valid.
What are Lucia Morariu’s main criticisms of the National Authority for Tourism (ANT)?
She criticizes the institution for being underfunded, lacking modern management software, having insufficient staff for effective oversight, and operating under outdated tourism laws.
What legislative changes is Eximtur advocating for in the tourism sector?
The agency is calling for urgent relicensing of tourism services, transparent licensing criteria, real financial guarantees for customer funds, and stricter monitoring of financial indicators and tax compliance.
