TAKING SCHOOL GROUPS ABROAD
Evening Entertainment!There are obviously many factors affecting the choice of tour operator for your group, not least safety and reliability, but one word of advice is - make sure evening entertainment is included! A well structured evening entertainment programme can extend the breadth of experience gained by the students, as well as providing additional fun and participation activities. Don't be satisfied with 'down time' in the evening and speak to your tour operator before you depart asking for a list of activities on offer, find out what the local amenities are and if it requires an extra cost? Without anything to do in the evening, as you well know, kids will get bored and the last thing you really want to be is the entertainment officer searching around for your juggling act at short notice!Make sure the company is ABTA and ATOL registered.Sadly there have been tour operator failures in the past that have affected schools and with an array of industry logos it can be difficult to know what each represents. At present, if you are flying your operator needs an Air Travel Organisers' Licence (ATOL) which protects all flights and air packages. In addition, The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) oblige its members to follow a code of conduct and assist them when things do not go according to plan. Inspection Visits Most reputable tour operators will offer a programme of resort inspection visits, which many Local Education Authorities insist upon. These are a great opportunity for both client and operator to get together and review what the resorts, hotels and amenities have to offer. From the Party Leaders point of view it will put your mind at ease that you have chosen the correct environment for your group and allow you to speak confidently to management, staff and parents when they ask questions as well as providing a good opportunity to take your own photos for the pre-tour parents evening presentation.Further InformationFor further details on activ4 school tours please ring 0870 2406348 (or email enquiries@activ4.com)