QUALITY MARK – Membership in the ETFL serves as a quality mark by which the public sector, the media, and consumers evaluate service providers. The ETFL shares information about its members through its marketing channels.
INTEREST PROTECTION – The ETFL represents the interests of its members and, when necessary, defends their rights. The ETFL is a powerful lobbying group that is taken seriously by government agencies, local governments, the Riigikogu, and the media.
LEGISLATION – The ETFL collaborates with lawmakers in drafting and amending legislation that affects the tourism industry and keeps its members informed about proposed bills and laws, including expert commentary when necessary.
CONSUMER PROTECTION – In accordance with the current framework agreement with the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA), ETFL assists travel agencies and tour operators in communicating with consumers and resolving issues with the Consumer Protection Board. ETFL represents travel companies on the Consumer Complaints Commission. ETFL is responsible for informing consumers.
TOUREST – ETFL members are eligible for discounts and benefits when participating in TOUREST, such as the right to register as an exhibitor earlier and at a lower price.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – ETFL organizes and participates in sales events for its members both in Estonia and abroad.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION – ETFL represents its members in communications with professional associations in other countries and with ECTAA (the umbrella organization for travel industry associations in the European Union). ETFL keeps its members informed about international tourism trends.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE – ETFL assists its members in resolving legal issues.
COMPETITION – ETFL brings different stakeholders together around the same table. In a highly competitive environment, it is beneficial—and helps ease tensions—to collaborate and find solutions to problems together.
Becoming a Member
Membership in the ETFL is open to legal entities, individuals, organizations, associations, educational and research institutions, local governments, and government agencies that are directly or indirectly involved in tourism and meet the requirements of the bylaws. ETFL Bylaws.
Associate member – a legal entity or natural person that operates as a provider of services in the tourism sector, such as passenger transport, tourism, lodging, insurance, education, events, and other related services (excluding associations, partnerships, unions, and clusters).
To join the ETFL, submit an application for membership. The ETFL Board of Directors decides whether to admit an individual as a full member or an associate member based on the application submitted by that individual. An individual may appeal the Board’s decision to the next general meeting (hereinafter referred to as a Council meeting).
A company may become a member of ETFL if it has been in business for at least one year and has filed an annual report with the Commercial Register for that fiscal year.
Prospective members must find two sponsors from among ETFL members. The sponsors do not have to be companies with which the prospective member has previously collaborated.
ETFL’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31. ETFL generally issues invoices for membership dues twice a year, in equal installments. Upon joining, new members pay a one-time membership fee of 200 EUR.
Membership Fees
ETFL membership fees as of April 1, 2025
Annual fees for regular members are based on the company’s total sales. Total sales = the sum of issued sales invoices.
