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    SIGTOA Membership

    Criteria and benefits of joining the voice of Scotland's Golf Operators

SIGTOA

Membership Criteria

As a respected trade assocation the Scottish Inbound Tour Operators' Association expects all of its members to maintain the standards comensurate with the organisation's reputation and there are no apologies for setting the bar high with criteria for members and partners.

Aims and Objectives

It should be the constant aim of all SIGTOA members to conduct their business in such a way that potential clients and suppliers see a clear advantage in working with SIGTOA members.

The Association is intended to be representative of companies based in Scotland, who provide an incoming golf tour management service to Scotland, and who comply with acceptable minimum membership criteria.  Its aims and objectives are as follows:

  • To develop and uphold an accepted ‘code of conduct’ in the supply of services by its members and thereby assist in improving the credibility of the industry
  • To provide a forum for discussion among its members
  • To have powers to discuss relevant matters with other bodies or suppliers but NOT to negotiate as a buying co-operative
  • To provide specialist support, guidance, and information on golf tourism related issues to Government and or their agencies as requested
  • To provide a representative, as requested, on golf tourism related panels, forums, other Associations
  • To collate statistics as deemed necessary to determine (but not limited to) the value of busines the total membership generates.

Membership Categories

SIGTOA have Full, Associate and International membership categories available at this time and are seeking pro active mebers to help drive the organisation ans Scottish golf tourism forward.Application for membership

Before completing any application we would request that you read all the information below to determine what level of membership you qualify for.  It is important that you understand the requirements of being a member and the code of conduct.

SIGTOA have three levels of membership:

  • Full Member, with a £200 annual fee
  • Associate Member, with a £150 joining fee and £150 annual fee
  • International Member, with a £150 joining fee and £150 annual fee

An Associate Member can, after two years upgrade to Full Member once the necessary criteria are met.  A further joining fee will be levied at that point.

For the purpose of SIGTOA application:

  • INBOUND refers to golfers who arrive to play golf in Scotland as the primary purpose of their visit. They will be international travellers who travel from outside the UK and will be booking a package that includes golf, accommodation and possibly transportation. It will exclude ‘day golfing trips’ of conference groups.
  • SIGTOA members have for many years been submitting annual sales figures and other statistics so that the Association can determine the value of business that the Association brings to Scotland and more specifically how many rounds of golf members book at specific courses. Providing this information is a requirement of membership.  If you don’t feel comfortable proving this information DO NOT apply for membership.
  • From time-to-time Members may be asked to complete anonymously, questionnaires as they relate to specific issues the Association may be dealing with or as asked by outside agencies.

Membership Path

To become a full member businesses must first be an Associate Member for at least two years and returned all the necessary statistics required of Associate Membership.

An Associate Member can then, at the later date upgrade to Full Member once the necessary criteria is met and a further £100 fee will be levied at that point.

Should we need to verify any of the above please detail the people we may contact to support this application. By adding details, you confirm your approval for us to discuss your application with them.

  • Financial Failure Insurance provider: 
  • Trade Reference 1 - Golf Course:
  • Trade Reference 2 – Hotel       

Associate Member

If you answer NO to any of the following questions you cannot be considered for Associate Membership

  • Do you fully comply with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018?
  • Are you based in Scotland?
  • Have you been trading as an INBOUND OPERATOR for at least two years?
  • Do you handle more than 150 golfing clients per annum into Scotland?
  • Does this represent a minimum 50% of your overall company business?
  • Are you happy to supply sales figures and statistics for the previous season if membership is accepted?
  • Have you read, understood and agreed to comply with the Code of Conduct?

International Member

If you answer NO to any of the following questions you cannot be considered for International Membership

  • Do you comply with all necessary travel laws and regulations in the country where your business is based?
  • Your business is based outside of Scotland
  • Have you been trading as a Tour Operator since before 2018?
  • Do you bring more than 50 golfing clients per annum into Scotland?
  • You agree to provide annual turnover for your inbound golf tours to Scotland including the number of passengers who took part in these tours.
  • You agree to calculate the total CO2 emissions generated by the road travel of vehicles used in your clients’ tours.
  • Have you read, understood and agreed to comply with the Code of Conduct?

SIGTOA - Code of Conduct

The code of conduct, to which all members agree to adhere, is designed to encourage integrity and instil ethical conduct amongst all SIGTOA members.

It should be the constant aim of all SIGTOA members to conduct their business in such a way that potential clients and suppliers see a clear advantage in working with SIGTOA members.

Minimum code of conduct expected of SIGTOA members:

  • Conduct their business and themselves in a manner that will reflect the highest possible standards and credit to the Association
  • Ensure that the product you are selling to clients accurately details what has been booked including but not limited to: golf courses with tee times and hotels with room type
  • Make clients fully aware of suppliers’ specific policies as they relate to check in/out; rules of the clubhouse; handicap restrictions; booking and cancelling a caddy
  • To confirm, per the suppliers’ T&Cs, any provisional reservations or release space back ASAP to allow re-sale by the supplier, and unless an account is subject to disagreement, to pay all supplier accounts in a timely manner in line with any pre-payment or credit terms extended to that member
  • There will be no active or passive solicitation of a competitor’s clients when they are on the ground in Scotland; the solicitiation of clients brings the industry into disrepute and would result in the immediate expulsion from the Association
  • To advertise fairly and truthfully, in line with normal acceptable advertising standards
  • A member must not use the name of the Association in any way to solicit discounted or free services from a supplier or profess to speak on behalf of the Association on a matter which may have commercial consequences for other members without first seeking agreement from the membership
  • Regular attendance at Association meetings.

Breach(es) of Code of Conduct

Members will be required to adhere to the agreed code of conduct.  Any complaint of breach(es) of this code should be brought to the attention of the Association, by notifying the Secretary immediately.  Any such complaints will be notified to all members in advance of the first available scheduled meeting, at which stage any complaints will be dealt with.  A decision as to whether or not a breach has taken place, and the form of disciplinary action – ranging from reprimand, suspension of membership for a period of time through to termination of membership – will be decided by the majority of those member companies present.

In addition, any ‘offended’ third party in such an event, such as hotel or golf course, will be notified of the breach, and of any disciplinary action imposed on that member.

Any action taken by the Association against an individual member will not preclude the complainer or any aggrieved party taking legal action, if applicable, against that member. A majority of 2/3rds will be required to approve a termination of membership.

SIGTOA

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SIGTOA

Website Privacy Statement

Our policy relating to data collection and privacy has fairness at its heart and is never intended to cause objection or complaint and to that end if there is any dubiety we will not store your information. As a business we wish to stay in communication with your and keep you up to date with news, offers and updates on our product which you may find of interest, but we will only do this with your clear and specific consent.

Standard Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how SIGTOA uses and protects any information that you give SIGTOA when you use this website.

SIGTOA is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

SIGTOA may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 2nd May 2018.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online and offline. Where we collect this information.

As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.

As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.

We confirm that unless specific consent is given by the user the information shared will not be stored beyond the purpose intended. If specific consent is given to use the information collected it will be stored securely and digitally encrypted and password protected.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data, using Google Analytics normally but on occasion other aggregation tools that advise us about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes.
  • if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us at [email protected] or by clicking unsubscribe where available.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting only if you specifically consent to us us that you wish this to happen.

We undertake that third parties will only include businesses that support our business and your stay such as travel providers, visitor attractions, event providers and others directly related to our business offering.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Our Website and In House Data Collection Policy

Our email collection policy is fully consent based and in entering your details clear consent is given by the user to receive future marketing materials from ourselves. The following information makes clear our policy on use of consent based email marketing and communications.

What we collect

We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:

  • name and job title.
  • contact information including email address.
  • demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests.
  • other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers.

What we do with the information we gather

The majority of the information we gather is required for contractual and legal purposes and to allow us to offer products and services as purchased.

When consent is given to sue the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:

  • We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you using your provided email address for market research purposes.

Your information will never be shared with any third parties and at all times you have the right to unsubscribe permanently from our database with a simple click of the unsubscribe information at which time your details will be deleted form the mailing lists and removed from the database permanently with no archived records retained.

SIGTOA

Website Terms and Conditions

Your use of the Sigtoa Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.

Ownership of Web Site

This Web Site belongs to Sigtoa.

Headings

Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

Trademarks

The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Sigtoa or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Sigtoa and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Sigtoa or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.

Alterations

Sigtoa reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.

Phone Calls and Emails

Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Sigtoa at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.

Telephone charges

The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.

WEBSITE POLICIES

Commercial use

This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Sigtoa or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time. Please contact us on Email: [email protected]

In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Sigtoa shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.

Copyright

The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Sigtoa or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:

the material may not be used for commercial purposes;

the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;

the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Sigtoa or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).

Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements

We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.

Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.

Disclaimers

Whilst Sigtoa has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Sigtoa or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.

To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Sigtoa be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.

Sigtoa does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.

Sigtoa does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.

If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Sigtoa's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Sigtoa.

Intellectual Property Rights

All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Sigtoa or its licensed source. All rights of Sigtoa in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.

Jurisdiction and Law

Sigtoa makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.

These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.

Links to other Web Sites

Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Sigtoa. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Sigtoa Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Sigtoa does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.

Force Majeure

Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Sigtoa or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.

SIGTOA

Website Accessibility

We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.

All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:

  • We try to use clear and simple language.
  • We use alternative text for all our images 
  • Were possible the HTML we produce conforms to the standard: XHTML 1.0 Strict
  • We have tested the colours we use in the design for contrast.

We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.

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