The impact of the Bribery Act on corporate hospitality in the travel industry

The new Bribery Act seems to be causing some confusion in the travel industry, as travel buyers and suppliers worry about how corporate hospitality is treated and whether they will ever dare accept an invitation to Lords again. Here’s what you need to know about the Act...

What’s it all about?

The 2010 Bribery Act was put in place in an attempt to stop corporate hospitality being used to influence serious business decisions. Rest assured that the law isn’t intending to criminalise hospitality in general.

“The Government does not intend for the Act to prohibit reasonable and proportionate hospitality and promotional or other similar business expenditure intended for these purposes.”
(The Bribery Act 2010, Ministry of Justice)

Our take on things:

Make sure you keep records of all corporate hospitality and allow them to be audited if required.
Enforce controls on corporate hospitality – consider the timing and suitability, for example is a tender coming up?
Educate employees and ensure that they report any offers of corporate hospitality.
Familiarisation trips should not present a problem, particularly if it is fully disclosed or, even better, the employer can decide who should attend.
Hospitality offers should not come with conditions attached such as dependent on becoming a preferred supplier.

In conclusion, whether you are a potential guest or host make sure you audit everything and take a holistic view; and if the circumstances appear to be innocent, enjoy the event with a clear conscience.

If you have any questions about the impact of the Bribery Act on corporate hospitality, talk to your CWT programme manager.

The Bribery Act 2010, Ministry of Justice

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