gate 1 travel scotland 2023

Gate 1 Travel Review: Are Their Organized Tours Worth It?

Have you ever wanted to take a trip where everything is planned for you? I was in the same boat when I found Gate 1 Travel, which offers escorted coach tours all over the world. If you're wondering whether this is the route for you, I did all the work to give you the inside scoop!

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to decide where you want to go and what you want to see. However, it can also be the most stressful part of traveling.

How do you make sure you see everything you want to see, get the right hotels, and eat at the right restaurants, all while staying on budget? One option I often think about to help alleviate that stress is to book a tour that covers all the nitty-gritty details!

When you're thinking about organized travel, you'll come across so many tours and guides that'll it'll hurt your brain.

One of those is Gate 1 Travel. So, the real question is does it beat out other options when booking tours?

I wanted to find out so that you'll have the essential info on its tours, prices, destinations, and more! This way you'll be making a decision with lots of valuable knowledge.

What Is Gate 1 Travel?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel or other travel groups. Plan and go discover on your own instead with Pilot!

That's because you will definitely be exploring with a group if you book with with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you.

‍ Discovery Tours also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours.

How Large Are Gate 1 Travel Groups?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's  Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you. 

‍ Discovery Tours  also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours. 

How Do I Book a Tour?

If you're interested in booking a tour with Gate 1 Travel, you'll first need to make an account.

You can head to the login page to do this. Once you've done that, you can start booking!

You'll select your tour region, followed by the country you want to visit and the tour that appeals most to you.

Choose your departure date, and decide whether you want flights included. You can then select those flights and any optional tours you may want to do during your trip.

What's Included in Gate 1 Travel Tours?

When booking a tour with Gate 1, you want to know what's included.

Something I liked to see is that every trip offers a "land only" and "air & land" price, so you can decide whether to have your flights included. Flights do only go to and from select cities, depending on your tour dates.

Escorted tours will include the following:

• Accommodation for the nights of the tour
• Hotel taxes and service charges 
• Transport between cities
• Certain meals (what's included will be outlined in the tour details)
• Sightseeing per the itinerary in an air-conditioned coach with a guide!

Not included is airfare for land-only trips, any visa-related fees, and optional extras you may decide to add to your tour.

Gate 1 Deals

Every traveler loves a good deal, and Gate 1 offers some great affordable vacations. It's actually one of the best bundle travel deal sites out there!

By heading to the company's Featured Specials page, you'll get to see Gate 1's flash deals, as well as any last-minute deals for upcoming departure dates. They also have a featured destination sale which will change from time to time.

To access the deals, you'll need to use the promo code listed on these pages, and then you're on your way to saving on your next trip!

From its website, you can also sign up to receive weekly deals via email. You never know what you'll get in your inbox!

How Do I Contact Gate 1 Travel Customer Service?

Whether you have a question or a complaint, it's never a bad idea to know how to contact customer service.

Gate 1 Travel is currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, but you can still fill out a  form  via the website to send an online inquiry. 

If you're traveling soon, you can get ahold of the team by phone. The company has 24-hour assistance line can be reached in the US by calling 215-572-7676. 

Cancellation Policy

If you find you can no longer join your Gate 1 Travel tour, how can you cancel your trip?

Once you've made at least a partial payment on your trip, you have to submit a cancellation request in writing via the contact us page.

Cancellation fees will then be applied based on how much time remains before your trip and will be applied as a percentage of what has already been paid. 

Customer Reviews

Overall, travelers seem to be satisfied with Gate 1's services and its tours.

Many of the complaints speak to packages booked with flights and how flight cancellations or changes have upheaved entire trips. Others have also mentioned the mismatch of travel credits promised versus ones they actually offer.

Other travelers have complained about Gate 1's customer service as being difficult to reach and not entirely helpful. It sounds like quite a few individuals had a tough time getting a full refund for their trip, even with travel insurance, when booking with them.

Whether it's that explanations can't be given, refunds are not fully issued, or travelers are sent in circles, it sounds like customer service is a hit or miss.

Other complaints have also touched on the itineraries being too packed to truly enjoy what you're seeing or to feel rested enough for them. 

Is Gate 1 Travel Worth It?

After all my reading, my advice is to proceed with caution. Here's why.

My first impression when I got onto the website is that this is mainly targeting an older audience, with their branding outdated to the 2000s. That's not a judging criteria, but just a red flag in my opinion.

While Gate 1 Travel offers a lot of packaged tours, the volume of travelers who have had their trips impacted by flights booked through Gate 1 is concerning.

Instead, I would avoid the flight risks by opting for land-only tours. If you go this route, Gate 1 does offer tours all over the world, so it's a good place to at least browse through when you're trying to make a decision.

They also offer other kind of tours like independent vacations, European river cruises, and customized international vacation packages, but it's honestly not for me. The price is way too expensive and I can frankly plan it myself.

They also seem to charge a bit more than the actual ticket for many attractions, which to me seems like a dealbreaker unless it is actually hard for me to get the travel reservations myself.

In Gate 1 Travel's benefit, they sure do have tons of locations. From Paris to Peru, From Ecuador to Budapest, their tour packages extend to many destinations around the world. They also offer discount travel packages there and here, so that's something to consider for all you deal-seekers.

Keep in mind that some comments were made about the itineraries being a bit packed. So, if you're more of a relaxed traveler, I would be very careful going with Gate 1 Travel.

That being said, if you want to do and see as much as humanly possibly, Gate 1 could be the tour company for you!

If you like the idea of booking a tour but still aren't convinced that Gate 1 Travel is right for you, make sure to also check out companies like EF and Intrepid !

Our Rating: 3.1/5 

• Tours all over the world
• Small group options for more immersive experiences
• Includes accommodation, and guided coach tours
• Options for smaller group tours
• Flight cancellations can result in trip cancellation
• Poor customer service
• Some feedback of packed schedules

Gate 1 Travel FAQs:

Is gate 1 travel still in business.

Yes, very much so. They've been operating for over 40 years and continue to maintain its operations despite its outdated website design.

Is Gate 1 Travel better than Trafalgar Tours?

They both offer the same comparable luxury comfort tours, so it's hard to say. I'd give Trafalgar the edge since they have more experience under their belt, but individual experiences will vary. Read our Trafalgar Tours Review for more detail!

Is Gate 1 Travel an American Company?

Yes, they're an American owned and run company based in Fort Washington, PA!

Who is the founder of Gate 1?

Dani Pipano is Gate 1 Travel's founder.

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Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Founded in 1981, Gate 1 Travel is known for offering quality vacations at competitive prices. Gate 1 has a wide selection of attractively priced escorted tours, river cruises and independent vacations in destinations worldwide.

The company’s escorted tours feature the latest-model motorcoaches and comprehensive itineraries. One upfront price covers your accommodations, transportation, some meals and guided sightseeing. Professional tour directors who lead each group are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and attention to detail. River cruises include some of the same components, but instead of traveling via motorcoach and staying in hotels, you’ll move between cities and sleep aboard a well-appointed riverboat.

Independent vacations with Gate 1 are also popular. These trips are perfect for travelers who want to utilize Gate 1's planning and rate negotiation services but prefer maximum freedom to explore a destination.

Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. Gate 1's vacations are categorized as first class or deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe).

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Reviews 2.6.

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Awesome Kenya Safari

Christopher Musyoka was an outstanding tour guide, who went the extra mile for us. We saw all the animals we wanted to see. He was always concerned for our safety and comfort. The accommodations were outstanding! I only wish he would have been accessible during our stay the Ark! Thank you again, Gate 1, for a wonderful experience!

Date of experience : November 12, 2023

Reply from Gate 1 Travel

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We truly appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you on your next Gate 1 trip!

Deceiving Prices . Watch out for errors

Deceiving Prices offered . They do not take responsability of errors , even after receiving confirmation of booking . Worst customer service even if you are a long time customer. Be careful when you book with Gate 1 . Book your tour with trust worthy company .

Date of experience : January 28, 2023

Thank you for sharing your comments. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. So that one of our representatives can provide additional assistance and try to make this right for you, please submit an inquiry here: https://www.gate1travel.com/contactus

Just finished an amazing safari in…

Just finished an amazing safari in Kenya with Gate 1.This tour was so special due to our Tour Director Christopher Musyoka .He was professional, knowledgeable and very organized with a great sense of humor. He went above and beyond as a Tour guide ( Gate 1 is so lucky to have him). Diane S

Thank you for your kind feedback. We can’t wait to see you again!

Absolutely awful

Absolutely awful. Never ever book with these people. Everyone is so unbelievably rude, we found out days before we did not have everything needed, they tried to to say opening an email counted as a signature, in what world does that count? They won’t even refund us 100%. Just terrible. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Date of experience : July 18, 2023

Vaccination requirement is DISCRIMINATION

I actually planned to come here and give a 4-5 star review. Went to Italy/Paris with Gate 1 a few years back and loved it. However I’m going back to rebook I see they are requiring vaccination when countries and other companies are not. That’s ridiculous discrimination. I’ll take all my future travel elsewhere.

Date of experience : February 15, 2022

Res# 2287535

Res# 2287535 There was no booking on a domestic flight for me from Istanbul to Gaziantep on 10/3. The tour guide, Serdad, insisted that I must pay at the counter of Turkish Air instead of paying from other sources. Later, I got cash reimbursement, but he should be more careful, which could easily be preventable. Serdad did not inform us how much to walk involved at each spot; his time management was poor, and for example, we had two hour lunch break In front of the Zeugma Museum on a hot day without AC. We could enter the museum earlier.

Date of experience : October 03, 2022

Thank you for sharing this feedback. Your comments are very important to us. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. We have provided your contact information to our customer service team who will reach out so that we can try to make this right for you.

Cannot get any help with reservation…

Cannot get any help with reservation 2074195. It's an easy fix but no one will step up and change my flight reservation. Instead they want me to have a 20 hour travel day when others in my group have a direct 10 hr flight. It's ridiculous how callous and indifferent this company is. Worst customer service in HISTORY. Travelers beware.

Date of experience : June 16, 2022

Dear Russell, We are sorry you have had such difficulties with your flights, as you can imagine airline and flight options are limited as we come out of the pandemic. We note a member of our service team is working with you and offering available flight options to try to mirror the flights of your travelling companions. We will continue to work to provide the best flight options available.

Very poor customer service of 4 trips…

Very poor customer service of 4 trips with Gate 1, two resulted in canceled return flights, stranded in Ecuador and again in africa. While travel agencies have no control over airline cancelations, they should at least help to get another flight. Both times i was stranded, no one from Gate 1 would assist. I had to find my own last minute flight home, pay for transportation to airport, etc. All my original flights were booked thru and by Gate 1. They have ZERO customer service and do not care if you cannot get home. Burned twice by Gate 1.

Date of experience : March 20, 2023

Southern England

We toured Southern England. Our guide, Mark, was delightful. Our accommodations were awful. In Stratford-Upon-Avon, where it was in the mid-80’s, we had no air conditioning in our rooms. There were major traffic issues. I’d you don’t mind substandard accommodations, go for it.

Date of experience : August 09, 2023

Hotels people steal stuff from Galapagos trip…

I just came back from Galapagos trip Ecuador. I found out the hotels involved not honest they took my blue tooth earbud and my brother family lost some stuff too I can’t point out which hotel but I like yo mention to this review so the future people MUST BE CAREFULLY ABOUT UR BELONGINGS

Date of experience : September 05, 2022

Need help and cannot get it

I booked with Gate1 because I had heard good things but my reservation is a mess and I cannot reach anyone who can help - will not transfer me to a supervisor - instead putting me in hold and coming back w incorrect info. They tell me it will be at least 48 hours to reach a supervisor. In meantime I am fully paid but cannot get my flights ticketed and phone agents don’t know why. Pleased to hear back from Gate1 a couple of days after posting this - my booking has been corrected - hoping that I can now relax and enjoy the trip.

Date of experience : May 27, 2023

Their advertisement says full refund…

Their advertisement says full refund but we paid in full 2 months ago and they dropped the ball didn’t buy the airline tickets, now they want us to pay double to have same itinerary. Waiting for a manager to call hoping he/she won’t be as rude as the last person I talked to. She said Can only refund 50% but they haven’t paid for airline or hotel????

Date of experience : October 25, 2022

We took Gate 1 trip 16 Days Scotland…

We took Gate 1 trip 16 Days Scotland and Ireland on October 2023 and it was outstanding. The hotel were well located and the food delicious. But what made this tour so special was our Tour Director Patrick King, he was professional, knowledgeable and very organized with a great sense of humor. He went above and beyond as a Tour guide ( Gate 1 is so lucky to have him) Our Driver Kevin Nelson was so sweet, funny and an excellent driver, we always felt safe with him. Again, Thank you Gate 1 for giving us a wonderful experience in Scotland and Ireland. Luz Babilonia.

Date of experience : October 09, 2023

We truly appreciate your business and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. We hope to see you soon on another Gate 1 trip!

Rude and Unprofessional Customer Service

I have experienced the worst and rudest customer service by Holly. I inquired about possible flight options for booking with my tour and after less than 1 min she started yelling at me when I dared asked about a different airline. Contrary to the options on their website, she kept raising her voice at me that there are no others but United, and that Gate1 is not a flight booking agency. I could not say a word because after her tirade she hung up on me...

Date of experience : December 02, 2022

VERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE

Booked a tour online but we wanted to speak with someone - not just click buttons on a computer. This was all too hard for gate1 consultants who were tardy at responding to emails. Whilst waiting for a response about how to make the payment (because it was in USD), our booking fell over (even though we'd emailed the consultant to ask her to hold the booking because we were in the Northern Territory outback without mobile range for 2 days) and then the tour was booked out. We'd already booked our fares from Australia. The consultant called Nicole was most unhelpful throughout the process and is totally unsuited to that type of job. I'd never look at any of their tours because I see the reviews are very negative and I can see why. They need to pull their socks up before they go broke......

Date of experience : August 16, 2023

Hidden gem!

We've done 4 Gate 1 trips in the past and this recent trip to Azores was our first independent one. Our tour guides, Phillip and Hugo were FANTASTIC, making the optional trip experiences amazing. We have always given Gate 1 a 5 star rating, but this time it seems the hotel and hotel breakfasts were just ok... below the usual standards for our previous Gate 1 trips. Guess we should have upgraded.

Date of experience : May 05, 2023

GATE1 customer service is TERRIBLE.

GATE1 customer service is TERRIBLE. Everyone should be aware that if you buy travel insurance on Gate1 site, they do not charge you for the coverage immediately, but place it as a charge on your final bill. So, for a while you are NOT insured, and if something goes wrong before your final charge, you lose your money.

Date of experience : January 03, 2023

Our tour guide Christi was very…

Our tour guide Christi was very personable as well as being very knowledgeable about our stops along the way. She made this whirlwind tour comfortable and enjoyable. Our driver Steve was a steely eyed driver around some pretty tight hairpin switchbacks. We had a wonderful trip experience due to these two wonderful people.

Date of experience : May 03, 2023

Unreliable and unreachable

We have gone on 4 trips and loved them all but we learned the that they own the flight until the flight. If the flight is cancelled, they simply cancel the flights for the entire trip and rebook at last minute rates without any credit for what has already been paid. While in transit, we were denied boarding on our second flight. I called both the US and European "emergency" numbers twice to indicate that we were unable to participate in the tour. NO ONE answered. They are refusing any compensation because I didn't cancel the tour. We couldn't get to the tour; they were unavailable for us to cancel; but they claim they are blameless.

Date of experience : March 25, 2023

Went on a tour of Yelliwstone

Went on a tour of Yelliwstone. We were given very little time at each stop. Spent most of the day on the bus. The driver was not allowed to stop on the road if we saw an animal, which I totally understand, however there was a huge bison lying down in near the parking lot after we boarded the bus and he refused to give us two minutes so we could get a nice picture from the bus window. I was so disappointed. The tour driver said we were behind schedule. What difference would two more minutes have made and we could have had an excellent picture.

Date of experience : July 14, 2023

Gate 1 Travel

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$589 — 12,199

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Gate 1 travel reviews & ratings, gate 1 cares about money and not customer satisfaction or safety.

We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however ...

THE ABSOLUTE WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

Joyce Toler

Poor customer service

It has been about 7.5 years since I traveled with Gate 1 Travel. In the past, customer service was exceptionally great! Now I am appauded with the unprofessional and...

One star is way too many

One star is way too many. I got a return ticket and wanted to change outbound one. Gate1 was nowhere to be found and there was no way of changing the flight. So I bo...

Shelley Anne Talla

I already wrote a couple of bad reviews…

I already wrote a couple of bad reviews during my last trip to Mexico with Gate 1 Discovery Tours—my aunt and her husband from Texas is currently doing the very same...

See all Gate 1 Travel reviews

Editoral Review of Gate 1 Travel

Founded in 1981 with three employees and based in suburban Philadelphia, Gate 1 now employs more than 200 people worldwide with offices in 20 countries, ranging from Hungary to Cambodia, Argentina to Israel.

What Makes Gate 1 Stand Out?

• Escorted tours & river cruises
• Good value 
• High quality guides

Gate 1 offers a variety of tour packages and river cruises around the world, promising to provide exceptional value for the price. They focus on North American travelers who seek “high quality, yet affordable” guided trips, with accommodations ranging from superior tourist to moderate deluxe class.

They have a lot of different choices when it comes to destinations, durations, and inclusions. Most tours have additional offerings for meals, activities, and excursions available for additional fees.

Traveler reviews for Gate 1 oscillate between 5 star and 1 star experiences. Those that have had an excellent time cite the tour pacing, guides, and extensive sightseeing opportunities as positives.

Those for whom these same factors contributed to a negative experience may have had higher expectations than is available or offered for the competitive budget prices that Gate 1 is known for.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Gate 1?

• Low to mid budget travelers
• Those open to simple accommodation and meal plans

Gate 1 is the perfect travel choice for families, couples, and friend groups seeking a cost efficient journey. As Gate 1 is a strictly budget minded brand, it’s important to be fully aware of the trade-off when you choose to travel with them.

You will see a lot, and be out and about visiting several sites - however keeping costs low is one of their main priorities. This means hotels will be basic, meals won’t be 5 star, and your coach will have fewer amenities. In addition tours with Gate 1 feature several optional add ons and sightseeing tours, not included in the base price. Average tour price is around $2,000, often less.

If you’re flexible, open minded, and are interested in maximizing your sightseeing above all else, Gate 1 could be for you. Knowing what to expect is key for enjoying the trip to the fullest.

Top Destinations

Gate 1 trips cover much of the world, including destinations in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Itineraries focus on the top sights, historical attractions, and national parks.

Gate 1 Travel Style

In a nutshell, the Gate 1 travel style is “see a lot for a little”. Hotels and accommodations are usually 3 star hotels. Expect basic comforts, with fewer amenities available. However if you’re the kind of traveler for whom a bed and some coffee in the morning is a fine trade-off for busy days outside and tons of sightseeing, the trade-off will be worth it.  

You will be met on the ground with a dedicated tour leader, available to assist throughout your travel experience.

Escorted group bus tours are a big part of their business - between 24-42 people. These coaches are again, more utility focused than amenity focused, but you will be comfortable. And in general bus tours take frequent stops to allow for stretching legs and using of facilities.  

Gate 1 also offers small group tours (with a maximum of 22 people), river cruises on two continents, independent city stays and fly and drive packages, rail packages, customized vacations, and combination bus/cruise tours -- something for almost everyone interested in a budget vacation.

Why Choose a Tour With Gate 1?

For the budget traveler, Gate 1 is a fantastic choice. They offer several types of trip package to choose from, including rail, river cruise, and small group tours, at competitive rates. Their escorted tours are extremely popular, and customers repeat trips with them regularly.

While Gate 1 is the primary brand, and they are all about giving a positive and packed international travel experience on a budget, other brands associated with Gate 1 are more premium focused. These include the Signature collection, offering luxury tour options and smaller groups.

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About the company.

Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

Product Types

Escorted Tours - Group Tours

Small Group Tours

European River Cruises

Escorted Bus Tour/Sea Cruise Combinations

Independent City Stays

Independent Fly & Drive Packages

Multi-Destination Rail Packages

Customized Vacations (Vacation Builder)

Custom Groups and Individuals

Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

Gate 1 Travel Trips & Specials

9 Day Eastern USA Heritage, Philadelphia to Washington D.C.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland

12 Day Affordable Central Europe with Warsaw & Krakow

10 Day Classic Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris & London

11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia

15 Day The Serengeti & Beyond: A Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar

12 Day Golden Triangle of India with Varanasi

19 Day Himalayan Kingdoms: Nepal & Bhutan

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Gate 1 Travel Trip Categories

Gate 1 travel company ranking by category, similar companies, associations, united states tour operators association.

USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

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Scotland’s new hate crime law: what does it cover and why is it controversial?

The government insists the law, coming into force on Monday, is needed to protect victims but critics say it limits freedom of expression

A new law to tackle hate crime in Scotland will be implemented on 1 April, and in the past few weeks there have been escalating concerns about how it will be policed and how it might affect freedom of speech. Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf , has hit back at “disinformation and inaccuracy” being spread about its implementation.

What are the aims of the new hate crime law?

The Scottish government says that Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act will provide greater protection for victims and communities. It is intended to consolidate existing hate crime laws, but also creates a new offence of “threatening or abusive behaviour which is intended to stir up hatred” on the grounds of age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. These additional provisions add to longstanding offences relating to stirring up racial hatred, which have been in place across the UK since 1986.

The law, which was passed in 2021 and has taken an unusually long time to come into force, had a rocky passage though Holyrood , with MSPs voting to strengthen freedom of speech provisions after earlier iterations provoked an outcry from religious and arts groups.

Yousaf, who was justice secretary at the time and helped bring the bill through parliament, assured MSPs that it balanced protections for victims of hate crime with safeguarding freedom of expression.

Why does the new law not include misogyny?

There was anger at the time that the bill excluded hatred of women. Even before it was passed, an independent working group, led by Helena Kennedy KC, was established to consider whether adding sex to the list of other protected characteristics or creating a standalone offence would better tackle misogynist abuse.

The group later recommended that the Scottish government introduce a misogyny act to crack down on street harassment and organised online hate. It was included in Yousaf’s programme for government last September but has yet to be published and there is no further information available about its timetabling.

What are the concerns about the new laws and who is raising them?

There is concern that the new measures could be used maliciously against certain groups for expressing their opinions, in particular gender-critical feminists.

The SNP MP Joanna Cherry has said she has no doubt that the new law “will be weaponised by trans rights activists to try to silence, and worse still criminalise, women who do not share their beliefs”.

Some people who disagree with the gender-critical stance of the author and activist JK Rowling have already threatened to lodge complaints about her with Police Scotland from 1 April.

Whether these threats come to pass or not, gender-critical women also raise the prospect of the wider – and hard to quantify – effect of the legislation.

There are worries that allegations of hate crime can be made anonymously – although third-party reporting centres where this can be done have existed for 10 years and are a legacy of the Macpherson report .

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents has raised serious concerns about the pressure it will put on an already overstretched force, warning that there is “enough anger and hateful bile online to occupy every police officer in Scotland”, given that current guidelines state that all hate crime complaints should be investigated.

The Scottish Police Federation says officers have not received sufficient training in how to mediate such complex territory, citing a “inadequate” two-hour online module.

What assurances have been made?

Yousaf has insisted there is a “very high threshold” for prosecution and a “triple lock” on freedom of expression in the act, including an explicit clause, a “reasonableness” defence, and compatibility with the European convention on human rights.

Adam Tomkins, a former Tory MSP and convener of Holyrood’s justice committee who was closely involved with the passage of the bill in 2021, said: “Asserting that sex is a biological fact or that it is not changed just by virtue of the gender by which someone chooses to identify is not and never can be a hate crime under this legislation.”

Tomkins and others have warned that social media postings and some reporting on the act has wrongly suggested that it is criminalising comments that are merely offensive to others.

While many groups covered by the new act welcome the extension and streamlining of the law, some worrythat the focuson the row about transphobia will deter other communities from reporting hate crimes.

What is a ‘non-crime hate incident’ and how does that fit into the picture?

While supporters of the act insist that the bar for prosecution is set high, this sits uncomfortably with the police policy of recording “hate incidents” that do not meet the criminal threshold and are based on the perception of the victim or a bystander.

Last year, freedom of information requests made by the Guardian revealed a gradual increase in the numbers of these non-crime hate incidents being recorded. The Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser last week threatened the police with legal action after he was logged for a complaint about a social media post in which he stated: “Choosing to identify as ‘non-binary’ is as valid as choosing to identify as a cat.”

Although this method of recording has been in place for many years as a means of monitoring community tensions (for example to track the levels of race hate in an area), Police Scotland is now reviewing its procedures after a court of appeal ruling stated that a similar policy in England could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

• Scottish politics
• Transgender
• Humza Yousaf

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