Compliance for the Travel and Tourism Industry

As a traveler, you know the security checks you’ve had to endure since 9/11. But the security burden that has been placed on travel agents, ticket agents and tour operators is even more dramatic. Since the USA PATRIOT Act’s passage, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which originally applied only to banks and financial institutions, has been extended to apply to many other industries, including the travel industry.

OFAC administers sanctions programs involving the Balkans, Cuba, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Burma (Myanmar), Zimbabwe, designated international terrorists and narcotics traffickers, Foreign Terrorist Organizations and designated foreign persons who have engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. For instance, did you know it is illegal to do business with Aero Continente, Aerocaribbean Airlines or Vinales Tours? Travel companies must check OFAC’s lists to ensure they aren’t doing business with a listed entity or they will be subject to violations and costly fines.

But OFAC updates their lists all the time. And what if a travel agent DOES overlook a name and does business with an entity on the list? Criminal violations of the statutes administered by OFAC can result in corporate and personal fines of up to $1 million per count and, in the case of individuals, a maximum of 10 to 12 years in jail per count. OFAC also has independent authority to impose civil penalties from $11,000 to $1,075,000 per count depending upon the sanctions involved.

ATTUS Technologies has been serving the needs of the travel industry since 1998. Avoid government fines and increase your protection from fraud. Know your customers and reduce your risk. To request a demonstration or free trial of any of these solutions, call us at 1-888-494-8449.