The federal law is aimed at improving the legislation on the basic principles of tourist activities in order to strengthen the protection of legitimate rights and interests of Russians travelling abroad.
The law provides for the creation of an association of tour operators specialising in outbound tourism to provide emergency assistance to Russian tourists abroad in cases when the tour operators involved cannot or do not meet their obligations under contract.
In accordance with the federal law, emergency care, including steps to evacuate tourists from the country of temporary stay, is to be provided from the compensation fund of the association of tour operators specialising in outbound tourism.
The law introduces the oversight of travel agencies and the association of tour operators specialising in outbound tourism by the federal executive body authorised by the Government of the Russian Federation. The law also establishes administrative liability for offenses committed by tour operators or their association in carrying out their professional activities.