ACTA president Wendy Paradis has been named chair of the executive committee of World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), a global organization that focuses and advocates on issues impacting the global travel agency community.

Incorporated in 2008 as an international non-profit trade association, WTAAA engages with like-minded organizations across the globe with a mission to improve business for member organizations, to share common problem-solving strategies and to foster more in-depth and meaningful working relationships within the travel and tourism industry. Members of the association include representation from 57 countries on six continents across the globe.

WTAAA says its dual mission is to protect travellers’ rights while ensuring the future success of the travel advisory profession.

Agenda

At its General Assembly and board meeting in Athens late last month, the WTAAA outlined key initiatives for 2025 and beyond, focused on “enhancing the travel experience and empowering travel agents to better serve their clients.”

For travellers, the WTAAA says it is committed to advocating for greater transparency in pricing, particularly in the context of new technologies like NDC. The organization is advocating that travellers can easily compare options and make informed decisions.

Consumer protection and robust dispute resolution mechanisms are also high on the WTAAA’s agenda, which will manifest in the upcoming “Travel Right, Travel Smart” campaign in 2025, designed to “equip travellers with the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and navigate the complexities of modern travel.”

For travel advisors, the WTAAA is focused on providing the resources and support needed to navigate the evolving complexities of the industry. This includes advocating for fair professional fees, addressing training concerns related to new technologies, and working with airlines and other industry stakeholders to ensure a level playing field.

If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.