11021 Rules on Tourism

Are you employed by the UK companies and under contact to act as their agent or are you self employed?

If you are self employed are you paying tax on your income?

I am paid by the UK operators and have an IVA number so register my invoices 8which costs me more than I earn, just about!). I operate as an interpreter/translator. I don't take commisions from anyone in the area (despite the fact that I deserve them!).
People keep reminding me that what I do is against tourism rules but they seem to ignore the fact that a) I don't market to the public directly, b ) I never act as a guide and c) I don't take agency commisions.
I have stopped contacting UK operators simply because I let Exodus in, they don't use local reps and I was powerless to claim a commission here. I am now saying to the locals that if they want me to make more contacts they must pay me a monthly sum, because I have enough business for myself.... and once again they start bleating about tourist licences, etc.
So, do you know the rules?
Thanks for replying.:masked:

From a quick check through the Italian Google site, it looks as if an "operatore turistico" needs some kind of license, as they offer courses to obtain that. I would suggest that you contact your local Chamber of Commerce to get some advice.

.. but I'm not an 'operatore turistico' - the UK companies are. Anyway, good advice, thanks.

I think Gala is right and Tour Operators (and probably their agents) have to be licensed here n Italy, Can't the UK tour companies you work for give you advice? They ought to know the laws of the countries where they operate.

It sounds as if you may have trodden on some toes so it would be best to make sure that whatever you are doing is legal and above board.

Good luck.

Dear Clover I have read your original question several times and the subsequent posts and still feel somewhat unclear as to what the real problem is and how best to help? So I will just tell you what I already know for sure but may I ask if you are resident in England and working for English companies in Italy and being paid by them and not by any person or comapny in Italy, then why do you need an Italian IVA number?
If you are infact running various businesses which are not always strictly for these English companies, then the "rules" as such will of course be different. Most of the English, Australian and American people I know here in Umbria who make " tourist introductions" are nearly all resident in Italy ie. they have Italian Residenza and they have all found away around any problems. A bi-lingual young woman who is here in the season only and not resident, is paid by English tour operators/travel cos. for her services and tells me so far she has had no problems, she isn't acting as an official guide of any sort. She is just a fixer introducer.

Are you of Italian origin? I did wonder where in Italy you were working and who was giving you a problem? But perhaps that is none of my business. Hope things sort themselves out amicably.

Hi Noble, the real problem is that the people here say I cannot create activity holiday packages on behalf of British tour operators without a licence - is this true? I am a British resident in Asiago. Exodus come here (thanks to me), have their own leader and don't use an agent here. Question: what's the difference between a tour op working from London or having a rep in the area?
Locals keep asking me to open a travel agency (no one suggests I work for them!) to legalize my situation and get more business in. I haven't got either the resourses or the determination to make a proper office work (49, mother of 2). So why can't I carry on as I am ?- I even register everything in taxes.
This bit is a comment - Asiago has never had British tourists - I've brought in small, but constant numbers- have received loads of compliments and 'we'll dos' - but nothing concrete in the way of a job or being paid by the locals. I've had to join the Consorzio to 'legalize' my situation and if you ask me it's just a mentality problem more than a real legal one!
I stopped approaching new clients 2 years ago - which is such a shame as by now I could have increased the flow of sports-minded tourism. Anyone out there ever been here?

If you arent acting as a guide or a tour operator but are a translator/rep then I dont think youre doing anything wrong. it depends how you are paid... as a translator? If so you should be registered as such in the Albo degli esperti at the CCIAA. If you're a rep then you're covered under your English contract. I suspect the locals think you are guiding without having the blue badge and having done evening classes for years. I would suggest that you need to give yourself a title and stick to it - do the fatture as your title allows you to and then they will leave you alone.

Thanks - I'm carrying on regardless - I'd be interested to hear how other people carry on, or am I the only one who is trying to bring business in without having my own hotel/sports activity to build up?

[quote=ram;104079] it depends how you are paid... as a translator? If so you should be registered as such in the Albo degli esperti at the CCIAA. [/quote]

To work as a translator you do not have to be registered with the chamber of commerce as a company or in the Ruolo Periti ed Esperti at said camcom as a translator/interpreter. There is no requirement to belong to any official ruolo, albo or similar to issue invoices as such. You can join the ruolo periti ed esperti if you wish, to give you more clout, but unless you have may years of proven, documented experience and qualifications you won't be admitted. Once you have been enrolled in the Ruolo Periti ed Esperti for a few years you can also then apply to become listed in the Albo dei Consulenti Tecnici d'Ufficio at the local Tribunale, to become a consultant to the judge on linguistic matters and to do sworn translations at the court (although the albo is only required to do public work for the judge/court, not to do sworn translations, otherwise it is entirely optional).

None of the above is necessary however to work as an interpreter in the manner you state, just a VAT number as a "libera professionista" under the translating/interpreting category.

Thank God for that - I'd never be up to registering myself officially! But I am a 'libera professionista, which is best left in Italian, wouldn't you say?

I've sent you a PM