Travel Organizations

The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) regulates ticket sales and reports to the airlines for travel agencies and other ticket outlets and is a corporation owned by certain U.S. air carriers that collectively appoint U.S. travel agencies to represent participating air carriers. It further administers the Area Banks and Area Settlement Program which is a clearinghouse for agent reporting and the settlement of airline ticket sales. ARC became the successor corporation to the ATC, following the agent rights issues trial of ARTA vs. ATC in 1985. While some functions are similar to those of ATC, ARC is designed to operate without the limited antitrust immunity once possessed by ATC. The ARC corporation began formal operations on January 1. 1985.

The Airlines Reporting Corporation requires all travel agencies to apply for, and be granted, a ‘travel agency appointment’ prior to being allowed to sell air travel with airline ticket stock. This agency program binds the travel agent as an agent of the carrier. The agent may receive commissions by representing the airline in the sale of passenger transportation. ARC established its own criteria for which travel agents would be entrusted with its airline ticket stock paper and airline ticket printing plates. Various carriers have now established additional bonding and liability criteria.

The application for an appointment must be approved before operating as an appointed travel agency. ARC will not grant uniform ticket stock until the appointment is granted. ARC’s services include: travel agency accreditation; ticket, and ticket number assignment, distribution and control; travel transaction reporting and financial settlement; new distribution technology development and support.

In 1995, ARC began to process and settle electronic tickets issued by ARC accredited travel agents through Computer Reservations Systems (CRS) now also known as Global Reservations Systems (GDS). The treatment accorded an electronic transaction by ARC is, for the most part, a mirror image of the function performed for the paper counter part with accountability residing with the electronic record of a document number rather than a numbered paper document. The sale of electronic tickets (or e-tickets) is steadily increasing in number and currently accounts for about half of all ARC processed travel agent transactions. However, in light of recent terrorist activities, e-tickets usage may become more restricted. Because these systems require telephone line transmission, frauds against carriers and ticketed through a GDS are prosecuted federally by the U.S. Attorneys office.

4100 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 600
Virginia, Arlington
+1 (703) 816-8003
www.arccorp.com

The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) established the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) for data collection, analysis, and reporting and to ensure the most cost-effective use of transportation monitoring resources. Thus, BTS collects data, then compiles, analyzes and publishes statistics in an effort to provide transportation leaders with the necessary data for making sound transportation decisions.

FOIA Officer
U.S. DOT/Bureau of Transportation Statistics
K-2, 400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
+1 (202) 366-9510
Fax: +1 (202) 366-3640
www.bts.gov

President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security in response to the terrorist attacks on America at the World Trade Center Towers in New York City and The Pentagon in Washington, DC. The mission of the Department of Homeland Security is to:

Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States;
Reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism; and
Minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur.

The Department of Homeland Security has four divisions including The Border and Transportation Security Division. The Border and Transportation Security Division includes the Coast Guard, Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Transportation Security Administration. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for securing United State�s borders and the transportation systems, managing who and what enters the US, as well as preventing the entry of terrorists and the instruments of terrorism while ensuring the speedy flow of legitimate traffic. This includes functions previously performed by the U.S. Coast Guard and Immigration and Visa Services. In fact all of the functions of the former Immigrantion and Naturalization Service have been transferred to the DHS under the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BCIE) now conducts investigative and interior enforcement functions under the DHS. Immigration inspections at U.S. borders, and enforcement is performed by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP), as well as agricultural inspections and customs.

The other divisions are for: Emergency Preparedness and Response; Science and Technology (formally titled ‘Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures’); Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (which includes the CIA, FBI, DIA and NSA).

The White House
Washington, DC 20502
+1 (202) 456-9713
www.dhs.gov

In the United States, there are a number of regulations relating to travel and hospitality and the Department of Transportation (DOT) is the U.S. government agency to which Congress has assigned many functions which were formerly performed by the Civil Aeronautics Board. The functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board were transferred to the DOT by the Public Law 98-443 (October 4, 1984) the Sunset Act.

The Department of Transportation initiates and issues the majority of regulations for the travel industry and answers consumer complaints related to travel. Their DOTs duties includes including regulation of: (1) overbooking and denied boarding compensation; (2) liability for lost or damaged baggage; (3) protections on the sale of charters; (4) smoking; (5) discrimination against handicapped persons; (b) computerized reservations systems (CRS); (7) antitrust immunity; (8) unfair competitive practices; and (9) determination of an air carrier’s financial and managerial fitness. The DOT has the authority to approve airline mergers and intercarrier agreements under the Federal Aviation Act 408, 409, 412, and 414. The DOT is also responsible for tracking and monitoring airline performance. 

400 7th Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20590
+1 (202) 366-4000

www.dot.gov

A “hotline” to obtain current U.S. State Department travel advisories around the world and also visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad 

2201 C Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
+1 (202) 647-5225

www.travel.state.gov

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is divided into nine geographical regions in the US with the two largest field facilities at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the William J. Hughes Technical Center at Atlantic City, New Jersey. The FAA operates about 450 air traffic control towers or Terminal Area Approach Control Facilities (TRACONS) at the major airports.

Flights proceeding between terminal areas come under the control of Air Route Traffic Control Centers and are monitored by the FAA’s airspace system and its own fleet of airplanes equipped with precision receivers, recorders, signal analyzers, and other devices.

The FAA also conducts a great deal of industry research and acquisition such as human performance in aeronautical tasks, improvement of runways, and the effects of corrosion on aircraft structures, full scale crash tests, and other experiments that explore the effects of impact forces and fire. FAA also has a satellite technology research program for air navigation and landing systems.

The FAA regulates, sets standards, and certifies aeronautical equipment and aviation personnel including the airworthiness of aircraft and certification for pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, and instructors. The FAA also gives grants to public use airports for improvements such as runway construction and upgrades, purchase of rescue and firefighting equipment, installation of lighting, and noise-abatement measures. The FAA details the regulations for design, operation, and safety of airports, evaluates the environmental impact of development plans, and administers a noise-compatibility program.

Address: 

800 Independence Avenue, S.W. 
Washington, DC 20591
+1 (202) 366-4000
Fax: +1 (202) 456-1121

www.faa.gov

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulates the shipping and foreign trades of the United Statessince its formation in 1961 Prior to 1961, the FMC was part of U.S. Department of Commerce, and called the Federal Maritime Board. In 1961, it became . The FMC seeks to Protect shippers, carriers and others engaged in commerce outside of the U.S. from restrictive rules and regulations of foreign governments and from the practices of ships and carriers that have an adverse effect on U.S. shipping. This includes discriminatory, unfair, or unreasonable rates, tariffs, charges, classifications, and practices of ocean common carriers, terminal operators, and freight forwarders operating in the foreign commerce of the U.S.

Pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984, the FMC Receives agreements among ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators and monitors them to assure that they are not substantially anticompetitive or in violation of the Act.

The FMC also licenses U.S. based international ocean transportation intermediaries (OTI) and requires bonds for U.S. & foreign based OTIs as well as requires and issues passenger vessel certificates showing evidence of financial responsibility of vessel owners or charterers to pay judgments for personal injury or death or to repay fares for the nonperformance of a voyage or cruise.

800 North Capitol Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20573
+1 (202) 523-5807
Fax: +1 (202) 275-0059

Website: 

www.fmc.gov

Previously a division of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) main function is to prevent commercial motor vehicle fatalities and injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ensures enforcement of safety regulations, especially for high-risk carriers and commercial motor vehicle drivers; and to improve safety information systems and commercial motor vehicle technologies; develop commercial motor vehicle equipment and operating standards; and the promotion of safety awareness.

400 Seventh Street SW.
Washington, DC 20590
+ 1 (202) 366-2519

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

As a preventative measure for the protection of private transportation services, in 1987, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued charter service rules to prevent public intrusion into private markets, and to make it possible for the private sector to utilize public transit resources to meet market needs. FTA seeks to ensure that the special needs of the community for transportation are met by either the public or private providers.

The Federal Transit Administration also works with other transit agencies to ensure the safety and security of the public by developing national Emergency Preparedness and Security Forums to be implemented by many other government agencies. President Johnson signed the Urban Mass Transportation Act into law in 1964, which began the program of financial assistance for mass transportation ran by the Federal Transit Administration. FTA�s grants to numerous public transportation providers including the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) San Francisco, California; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Dallas, Texas; and the Mass Transit Administration (MTA) Baltimore, Maryland.

400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
+1 (202) 366-1936

www.fta.dot.gov

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) promotes safe, environmentally sound, successful railroad transportation by developing policies and seeking investment in the infrastructure and technology for the rail system.

FRA inspectors conduct site-specific safety inspections of railroads and monitor their compliance with federally mandated safety standards. The Track Division promotes an understanding of and compliance with the Federal Track Safety Standards. The FRA and its divisions inspect and test carrier signal and train control systems, locomotives, passenger and freight cars, air brakes, and other safety appliances.

The FRA also develops carrier operating rules, employee qualification guidelines, and carrier training and testing programs to determine compliance with the Railroad Safety Act of 1970; railroad occupational safety and health standards; the Hours of Service Act; and accident and personal injury reporting requirements. The FRA develops a policy concerning intercity rail passenger service and high-speed rail and the development of new technologies.

1120 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20590

www.fra.dot.gov

The National Transportation Safety Board Bar Association is comprised of attorneys that practice before the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). While the main focus of the group is the representation of pilots and aviation businesses in regulatory, certification, and enforcement actions, many members practice in other areas of the law as well, such as air crash litigation, aviation insurance defense, taxation, and business law.

P.O. Box 65461
Washington, DC

www.ntsbbar.org

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing the number of deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The NHTSA sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The NHTSA also gives grants to state and local governments for the implementation of effective local highway safety programs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards. The NHTSA also works with the states and local communities to reduce drunk driving, increase the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, and conducts driver behavior research. The NHTSA also investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.

The NHTSA’s Auto Safety Hotline provides motor vehicle recall information, and receives motor vehicle Safety complaints.

400 7th St. SW
Washington, DC 20590
+1 (888) 327-4236
Fax: +1 (202) 366-3809

www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) deals with all modes of travel safety including aviation, highway, sea, and rail. The NTSB is charged with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States as well as all other significant accidents by rail, highway, and sea. Also the NTSB investigates all airline crashes in which a US manufactured aircraft is involved. From this investigation the NTSB determines the probable cause of the accident.

The NTSB maintains a database of civil aviation accidents and conducts research on safety and travel. The NTSB is not part of the DOT. The NTSB has issued nearly 12,000 recommendations to the travel provider industry and maintains a most wanted list for safety improvements at www.ntsb.gov/recs/mostwanted/index.htm.

The State Department and the National Transportation Safety Board, as described in Wallman v. Tower Air, Inc., 189 F.R.D. 566, N.D.Cal.,1999, requires passenger lists and contact lists to be collected by airlines for the purpose of enabling these agencies to reach family members of passengers who have been seriously injured or killed in a plane crash.

490 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20594
+1 (202) 314-6000

www.ntsb.gov

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent adjudicatory body administratively charged with the economic regulation of United States interstate surface transportation. The STB’s mission is to ensure that competitive, efficient, and safe transportation services are provided to meet the needs of shippers, receivers, and consumers and deals primarily, although not exclusively, with rail issues.

Washington, DC
+1 (202) 565-1674

www.stb.dot.gov

The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) evaluates hospitality education programs in the United States. The ACPHA was established in 1989 and consists of 14 commissioners, including hospitality educators, executives from the lodging, restaurant and hospitality industries, as well as member representatives from the travel industry. The Commission meets twice a year to review, assess and evaluate four-year hospitality programs at colleges and universities across the United States.

P.O. Box 278
Oxford, Maryland 21654
+1 (800) 257-7657
Fax: +1 (415) 673-3548
acpha-cahm.org

The Air Transportation Association (ATA) is the trade association of U.S. certificated air carriers and was founded by 14 airlines 1936. ATA was the first and today is the only trade organization for the principal U.S. airlines. ATA takes an active role in all major government decisions regarding aviation, including the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the creation of the air traffic control system, and the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.

ATA’s mission is to support and assist the airline industry by promoting the air transport and the safety, cost effectiveness, and technological advancement of its operations; advocating common industry positions before state and local governments; conducting designated industry-wide programs; and assuring governmental and public understanding of all aspects of air transport.

1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20594
+1 (202) 626-4000
Fax: +1 (410) 226-0177

www.airlines.org

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents 60,000 pilots who fly for 40 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Founded in 1931, the Association is chartered by the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress. Known internationally as US-ALPA, it is a member of the International Federation of Air Line Pilot Associations.

ALPA provides three critical services to its members:

Airline Safety and Security: Over its 70 years, ALPA has been a part of nearly every significant safety improvement in the airline industry. The Association has helped to make airline travel the safest mode of transportation in human history. More than 600 working airline pilots volunteer to serve on the local and national safety and security committees that help guide the Association’s work.

Representation: Over the decades, ALPA pilot groups have negotiated scores of contracts with hundreds of airlines. Today, ALPA staff offers its members the finest financial analysis available, in-depth knowledge of the Railway Labor Act (the legislation that governs airline pilot contracts), and the legal experience to defend pilot contracts.

Advocacy: ALPA’s staff and pilot volunteers consistently represent pilots’ views to all airline industry decision-makers, including Congress, Parliament, the White House, and federal agencies.

At all levels of ALPA, pilots make decisions through the democratic process. All decisions start with pilot groups. Each pilot group consists of all the pilots at a given airline. Pilot groups exercise considerable autonomy in governing their own internal affairs, such as negotiating contracts, enforcing those contracts, and discussing issues of concern with their companies.

1625 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
+1 (703) 689-2270

www.alpa.orp

The Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization representing the interests of European and American automobile associations and touring clubs. Established in 1898 in Luxembourg by seventeen clubs from Europe and America it was the first international organization of tourists. Today AIT is a world-wide federation of touring clubs and automobile associations whose mission is to promote travel safety and personal mobility throughout the world.

In 2002, the AIT consisted of 140 member associations in 101 countries. These member associations represent approximately 110 million individual club members world-wide, thus representing more than 300 million individuals around the globe.

The AIT is divided into four regions: Region I Europe, Middle East and Africa; Region II Asia and Pacific; Region III North America; Region IV Latin America. AIT has two membership categories: active members (organisations with full voting rights) and adherent members (organisations with an observer status without voting rights).

The majority of the AIT’s active members are touring clubs and motoring associations, though about one fifth are open air clubs such as cycle touring, camping and caravanning, hiking, and nautical touring.

AIT is an organization’s organization and does not deal directly with the public. Its services are far-reaching on different areas of activities relating to travel and mobility and include mutual assistance agreements between its member associations for the benefit of these associations’ individual members when travelling abroad.

P.O. Box 111 1215 Geneva 15
+41 22 544 45 00
Fax: + 41 22 544 45 50

www.aitgva.ch

Known as the Automobile Association (AA), outside of the US and Canada, this drivers based organization is best known for providing emergency road side service. The American Automobile Association (AAA) provides maps, tour books, insurance, road service and other services to its members and offers personalized travel service for consumers. The AAA has thousands of local branch offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. The AAA also provides access to member based discounts for airline tickets, auto services, and hotels as well as travel guides, maps, and directions.

1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, Florida
+1 (407) 444-8000
Fax: +1 (613) 237-7052

www.aaa.com

The American Bus Association (ABA) co-ordinates connecting ABA affiliated bus schedules and seeks to improve bus terminals, travel, and tourism. The ABA functions as the trade association of the intercity bus industry, and represents the motorcoach industry’s interests in Washington, D.C. It also facilitates relationships between North American motorcoach and tour companies and all related segments of the travel and supplier industries and promotes travel by motorcoach to consumers.

The ABA represents approximately 800 motorcoach and tour companies in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services (commuter, school, transit). Another 2,300 member organizations represent the travel and tourism industry and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry. ABA has a total membership of more than 3,000.

1100 New York Ave., N.W., Suite 1050
Washington, DC
+1 (202) 842-1645

www.buses.org

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) was formed in 1910 as a federation of state lodging associations throughout the United States with some 13,000 property members worldwide, representing more than 1.7 million guest rooms. AH&LA was formally known as the America Hotel and Motel Association.

AH&LA provides its members with assistance in operations, education, and communications, and lobbies on Capitol Hill to provide a business climate in which the industry can continue to prosper. Individual state associations provide representation at the state level and offer many additional cost-saving benefits. AH&LA is associated with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute AH&LEI.

1201 New York Avenue, NW, #600
Washington, DC
+1 (202) 289-3133
Fax: +1 (202) 289-3128

www.ahla.com

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the largest travel trade association in North America. ASTA maintains a Standards of Ethics Code for professional business practices in the travel industry.

Its 20,000 plus members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, steamship lines, bus lines, resorts, government tourist offices, and other related interests in more than 120 countries and territories. ASTA has been a leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry, and the traveling public and seeks to enhance the professionalism and profitability of member agents through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public. ASTA conducts much of its agent training at its seven travel schools, known as the School at Sea.

In 1946, one year after its formation, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) cut agent commissions to 5 percent from 7.5 percent and ASTA was the organization that fought against and defeated this policy. In 1968, when President Johnson restricted travel outside of the United States, ASTA waged the largest grassroots campaign of its history. Today, ASTA continues its efforts to support travel agents and to fight for the traveling public in the legal and legislative arenas. ASTA endorsed legislation to protect passenger rights and end airline pre-emption are currently pending in Congress. ASTA is also pursuing legislation that would remedy the consequences of anticompetitive, predatory behavior on the part of airlines by giving travel agencies the right to bargain collectively. Anolik Law Offices’ landmark case, ASTA vs. Bank of America, established that national banks could not enter the travel industry.

1101 King Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, Virginia
+1 (703) 739-2782
Fax: +1 (202) 289-3199

www.astanet.com

The Tourism Working Group (TWG) was formed in 1991 and is a department of The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The TWG addresses the tourism industry growth for the advancement of Asia Pacific economies and social development. The TWG brings together tourism administrators to share information, exchange views and develop areas of cooperation on international trade and policies.

The four main goals of the TWG are 1) “Removal of Impediments to Tourism Business and Investment”; 2) “Increase Mobility of Visitors and Demand for Tourism Goods and Services”; 3) “Sustainable Management of Tourism Outcomes and Impacts”; and 4) to “Enhance Recognition and Understanding of Tourism as a Vehicle for Economic and Social Development”.

438 Alexandra Road
Alexandra Point
Singapore
+65 6276-1880

www.apecsec.org.sg

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is compromised of 2,400 corporate travel executives and suppliers of business travel products and services and has numerous offices throughout the world. ACTE is an advocate for business travel professionals.

ACTE promotes the needs of the “global business environment” through proactive educational offerings and quality networking opportunities, by bringing together senior-level business travel professionals from the corporate travel industry. Corporate travel managers are the key clients of ACTE and the organization seeks to match these managers with representatives from airlines, hotel companies, travel agencies, car rental companies and computer reservation systems, travel management consultants, and providers of products and services as different as travel technology, value-added-tax reclaim and travelers insurance.

515 King Street, Suite 340
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
+1 (703) 683-5322
Fax: +65 6276-1775

www.acte.org

The Association of European Airlines (AEA) is a non-profit organization representing the interests of its member airlines to the institutions of the European Union, to the European Civil Aviation Conference, other institutional organisations or associations involved in or likely to be involved in issues of interest to AEA members and, individual governments. The AEA advances the cooperation amongst its members on any matter likely to be of interest to the membership as whole. In pursuing its objectives of airline promotion, the association collects, analyses and interprets information and carries out research required for the activities which it undertakes and acts as a liaison with associations, organizations or authorities whose activities and roles are relevant to the objectives of the AEA.

Since the end of 2002, the AEA has aimed to be an airline-driven lobbying organization. The AEA originally formed in 1952 from a joint study group initiated by the Presidents of Air France, KLM, Sabena, Swissair, SAS and later BEA (a forerunner of British Airways). Two years later the Air Research Bureau (ARB) was established in Brussels and the name was subsequently changed to the European Airlines Research Bureau and then in 1973 to AEA.

For most of AEA’s history, membership was limited to IATA member airlines. This rule was relaxed in 1981 to allow Luxair to join and thereby complete the full set of EU flag-carrier members. AEA’s present members include: Adria Airways; Jat Airways; Aer Lingus; KLM, Air France; LOT Polish Airlines; Air Malta, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Alitalia; Luxair; Austrian; Malev Hungarian Airlines; British Airways; Meridiana; bmi; Olympic Airways; Cargolux; SAS; Croatia Airlines; SN Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Spanair; Cyprus Airways; Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.; Finnair; TAP Air Portugal; Iberia; TAROM – Romanian Air Transport; Icelandair; Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Avenue Louise 350 B-1050
Brussels, Belgum
+32 (0)2 639 89 89
Fax: +32 (0)2 639 89 99

www.aea.be

The Association of Travel Marketing Executives’ (ATME) membership is made up of airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, car rental companies, advertising and public relations firms, travel marketing professionals, research groups and tourist offices of domestic and foreign destinations. ATME is a global network of industry marketing professionals committed to enhancing skills, recognizing excellence, and providing innovative, effective and provocative marketing ideas and solutions while enhancing the highest standards of travel leadership.

20 North Avenue, Suite 4
Larchmont, New York 10538
+1 (973) 835-1340
Fax: +1 (310) 395-9511

www.atme.org

The Association of Retail Travel Agents’ (ARTA) membership is 100 percent professional travel agents and ARTA does not accept travel suppliers or other travel companies as members. Formed in 1963, ARTA is the largest and most influential travel agent only organization in North America.

ARTA works to protect Travel Agents from unfair trade practices conducted by the providers of travel, especially the airlines. This was particularly true in their recent fight against Delta Airlines and the other airlines that stopped paying agent commissions for the sale of airline tickets. ARTA also challenged the former ATC, [the predecessor of Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)] in 1985 because of the ATC’s infringement of the rights of ARTA’s agent members. This challenge made the carrier organizations restructure as the Airlines Reporting Corporation to ensure the continued support of travel agent’s rights.

ARTA offers a number of other benefits to members including affordable health insurance for travel agents. ARTA’s website acts as a forum for travel agents to be vigilant in the protection of their civil rights and contains articles on safety in the travel industry after the terrorists’ attacks. Their grassroots participation allows them to immediately respond to industry injustices. ARTA has cooperative alliances with the Outside Sales Support Network and Hickory Travel Systems. Membership in ARTA allows qualifying travel agents to be issued TRUE identification through IATA.

c/o TravelDestinations, Inc.
4320 N. Miller Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
+1 (866) 369-8969
Fax: +1 (703) 683-2720

www.artaonline.com

The Official trade organization of the cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), also works in partnership with over 16,000 affiliated travel agencies throughout North America to ensure the highest caliber of cruise sales expertise and service for cruise vacationers.

CLIA was formed in 1975 under the name Transatlantic Passenger Steam Ship Conference.

80 Broad Street, Suite 1800
New York, New York 10004
+1 (212) 921-0066
Fax: +1 (212) 921-0549

www.cruising.org

The European Federation of Conference Towns is the one-stop reference source for your next meeting in one of the 100 leading cities

Its main ambition is to be a focal point for the youthful European conference industry. EFCT maintains a friendly service with meeting planners from all over the world, and or just around the corner, helping them identify and enjoy ideal destinations and venues from among our membership in 35 countries.

EFCT plays a vital role in scrutinizing new legislation and providing guidance on every aspect of industry matters. EFCT also has a lively education and marketing program, and has become a trusted source of impartial, informed opinion. EFCT is a founding member of the JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council) and DOME (Data On Meetings & Events), and has just completed a two year stint in its Chair. EFCT is active in ETAG, the European Travel and Tourism Action Group, and enjoys Consultative Status with ECOSOC, the United Nations Economic and Social Council. EFCT is the right platform to hear about news from all over the continent, to discover new products and experience new services related to the Meeting Industry.

287 Avenue Louise, 2nd floor
Brussels B-1050
Belgium
+32 2 643 20 44
Fax: +32 2 645 26 71

www.efct.com

Founded in 1968, The Greater Independent Association of National Travel Services (GIANTS) is a prestigious travel agency network of over 2000 members which provides independent travel agents with increased buying power normally only available to large agencies. GIANTS provides independent travel agencies with financial rewards, marketing and technological power.

GIANTS also maintains an effective database marketing program in travel for its members known as The Select Traveler Network�. GIANTS has a sales representative for each region of the country, and their sales representatives conduct in office presentations for agency staff , organize joint sales calls with local DSMs, run regional meetings and forums, and work with agencies to create consumer events.

GIANTS also produces key reference tools such as The GIANTS Guide To Higher Earnings and The GIANTS Cruise Calendar, a companion piece to the GUIDE which lists more than 700 special GIANTS Cruise departures.

+1-800-GIANTS-1
Fax: +1 (212) 921-0549

www.giantstravel.com

While the Air Transport Association sets the standards and rules of U.S. domestic airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets standards between nations. IATA’s main function is the economic regulation of international air transportation, in particular international rates and fares that are subject to unanimous resolutions of the carriers, provided that the countries do not object.

IATA is a voluntary organization open to any scheduled air carrier whose home country is a member or eligible candidate of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Its main function is the economic regulation of international air transportation, in particular international rates and fares that are subject to unanimous resolutions of the carriers, provided that the countries do not object.

IATA has served the international and global travel industry since 1919. It has a membership of over 275 airlines from 143 countries. It has represents 90,000 accredited travel agencies in 209 countries.

IATA seeks to be a neutral, intermediary to develop standards which facilitate cooperation among travel industry enterprises. IATA has standardized the air ticket system and the travel agent appointment system, and created a financial dispute settlement system. IATA is also the provider of the three letter airline city codes system and a two letter airline code system recognized as the standards for communicating airport and flight information the world over.

In 1979 IATA was reorganized into two divisions:

Trade Association dealing with technical, legal, financial, traffic services and most agency matters

Tariff Coordination addressing passenger fares and cargo rates, and agents’ commissions. Approximately 100 Members, including the world’s largest airlines, participate in Tariff Coordination.

800 Place Victoria
Montreal, Quebec Canada
+1 (514) 874-0202

www1.iata.org

The International Airlines Travel Agents Network (IATAN) has been in existence since 1986. Its mission is to promote professionalism, administer meaningful and impartial business standards, and to provide cost effective products, services and educational programs that benefit the travel industry. IATAN provides a vital link between the supplier community and the U.S. travel distribution network.

IATAN endorses Airline Appointed and Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) agency locations, registers the personnel who work in these agencies, and produces the IATAN Travel Agent ID Card as a method of identifying bona fide travel agents who may qualify for reduced rates or other industry privileges.

U.S. Travel Agent antitrust litigation against IATA, forced IATA to establish IATAN for agent regulations in the U.S., however outside of the US, IATA is able to continue engaging in international pricing and regulations. The Passenger Network Services Corporation (PNSC) is the U.S. successor corporation to IATA. While many of its functions are similar to those formerly performed by IATA, it is designed to operate without antitrust immunity. The Passenger Network Service Corporation is operated by the International Air Transport Association and administers travel agency programs within the United States on behalf of international air carriers. The corporation does business under the trade name International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN).

IATAN, along with its parent IATA, compiles comprehensive information on all travel industry sales outlets worldwide, and administers websites such as www.LocateATravelAgency.com to help consumers find a local travel agency and www.CheckACode.com to help suppliers identify agents.

IATAN publishes the NETWORK newsletter for travel agencies and The Supplier Side for travel suppliers, as well as www.iatan.org, a valuable and trusted resource about the various products and services IATAN offers the travel community.

Educational programs such as the geography training, videos, classroom geography seminars, and the website www.ournewworld.com round out IATAN services that add value to the travel industry.

300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 342
Garden City, New York
+1 (800) 294-2826 +1 (516) 747-4716
Fax: +1 (514) 874-9632

www.iatan.org

International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) chief activities involve the establishment of standards covering the technical fields of aviation, such as: licensing of personnel, rules of the air, aeronautical meteorology, aeronautical charts, units of measurement, operation of aircraft, nationality and registration marks, airworthiness, aeronautical telecommunications, air traffic services, search and rescue, aircraft accident investigation, aerodromes, aeronautical information services, aircraft noise and engine missions, security and the safe transport of dangerous goods. ICAO recognizes nine global geographical regions which must be treated separately for planning the provision of air navigation facilities and services required on the ground by aircraft flying in these regions.

For the past two decades ICAO has attempted to persuade its signatory states to reduce “red tape” in aviation regulation and to institute International Standards which place an upper limit on what States may demand of the aviation industry. In addition to reducing procedural formalities for travelers, ICAO’s seeks to ensure that adequate airport terminal buildings, with all the related facilities and services, are provided for passengers and their baggage as well as commercial air cargo.

Once ICAO’s International Standards, Recommended Practices and Procedures (Standards) are adopted by the organization, they are put into effect by the individual ICAO signatory states in their own territories. These standards are reviewed and amended as necessary to reflect changes in aviation technology.

One of ICAO’s significant achievements has been the development of a satellite based system to meet the communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) needs of civil aviation.

999 University Street
Montreal, Quebec Canada
+1 (514) 954 8219

www.icao.int

Founded in 1946, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE) seeks to unite educators, industry executives and associations. CHRIE is a global advocate of hospitality and tourism education in schools, colleges, and universities offering programs in hotel and restaurant management, foodservice management and culinary arts.

In recent years, CHRIE has expanded and evolved into a marketplace for facilitating exchanges of information, ideas, research, and products and services related to education, training and resource development for the hospitality and tourism industry (food, lodging, recreation and travel services). Serving as the hospitality and tourism education network, International CHRIE strives to unite educators, industry executives, and associations.

In recent years, CHRIE’s focus has expanded making it a marketplace for facilitating exchanges of information, ideas, research, products and services related to education, training and resource development for the hospitality and tourism industry covering the areas of food, lodging, recreation and travel services.

2613 North Parham Road
Richmond, Virginia 23294
+1 (804) 346-4800

www.chrie.org

The International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA) is the largest professional organization of travel law attorneys and travel industry personnel dealing with travel law matters from around the world whose law practices emphasize the travel and tourism industries. Member advocates represent agents, carriers, cruise lines, hotels, and government tourism departments. IFTTA’S objectives are to:

– Provide a Forum for the exchange of information on the legal aspects of Travel Law. 
– Provide a worldwide resource of travel law information (statutes, case law, etc.). 
– Encourage the establishment of common legal standards in the travel industry. 
– Work with educational institutes to foster research on the legal aspects of Travel. 
– Sponsor conferences on the legal aspect of Travel and further a spirit of collegiality. 

The organization, formed in 1983, maintains a depository of travel and tourism law materials including statutes, case law, and travel industry articles. IFTTA also publishes a bibliography of material in the Travel Law field and seeks to encourage the establishment of common legal standards for the Travel Industry, to work with educational institutes in fostering research on the legal aspects of travel, and sponsors conferences on the legal aspect of travel, and further the spirit of IFTTA collegiality. IFTTA’s depository of judicial decisions and articles pertaining to travel law is kept in San Francisco, USA; Dundee, Scotland; and Tokyo, Japan. IFTTA has published the IFTTA JOURNAL since 1985. Articles cover travel topics such as Can the Employer of a Passenger be sued in case of an Air crash? and Can the workers Union and its authorities be sued for strikes that affect the Travel Industry? and The development of the space tourism and travel.

IFTTA has held numerous international conferences in countries including Israel, Greece, USA, Spain, Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary and Turkey. Membership has included representation from Brazil, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Sweden and Venezuela and others countries. Regional branches have been formed in Europe, South America and Israel.

2107 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94109
1 (415) 673-3333

www.iftta.org

The National Association of Cruise Only Agents (NACOA) is a cruise focused trade association which address the needs and concerns of cruise lines, as well as agents who specialize in the sale of cruises. NACOA is designed to promote cruise oriented travel retailers, cruise vacations, cruise unit retailers, and the needs of the cruise industry as a whole. NACOA provides industry expertise in the form of training at various programs and forums.

7600 Red Road, Suite 228
Miami, Flordia 33143
+1 (305) 663-5626
Fax: +1 (703) 739-6861 

www.nacoaonline.com

The National Tour Association (NTA) is a premier association for travel professionals whose interest is in the packaged travel sector. The NTA brings together those who package travel, group as well as individual trips coordinators, and the suppliers and various providers of travel. Although based in North America, NTA membership spans the globe.

NTA’s goal is to help members to increase their bottom lines by: promoting partnering and networking among members and providing key information members can use to move ahead of non-member competition.

NTA also maintains a Consumer Protection Plan Trust (CPP) which becomes applicable in the event that a bankruptcy petition is filed by or against a NTA Tour Operator Member. NTA maintains a code of ethics within the tour industry. NTA has also continues to developed programs and public interest in travel by motorboat.

546 East Main Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40508
+1 (800) 682-8886
Fax: +1 (305) 663-5625

www.ntaonline.com

The Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) is an association formed in 1990 to support and educate Independent Contractors and Outside Sales Travel Agents, that is, commissioned salespersons who solicit business for a travel agency or other retailer. The Outside Sales Support Network is the largest travel trade organization in the U.S. for outside sales and independent contractors working with travel agents. OSSN also has a close association with ARTA which allows each of their members the opportunity to participate in joint training and familiarization courses and seminars.

OSSN creates a voice in the travel industry for commissioned Outside Sales Agents / Independent Contractors and Home Based Travel Agencies. OSSN also provides education and training programs for its members. OSSN familiarization tours or fams with industry discounted rates, which include the cost of training, to exciting locations all over the world to members and non-members.

The OSSN website is quite extensive maintaining over 3,800 pages packed with information and support for sellers of travel. The OSSN Agent Education Programs Section provides members with information on travel schools that offer formalized training for Independent Contractors.

OSSN also operates the TRUE (Travel Retailer Universal Enumeration) System whose sole purpose is to provide sellers of travel with an eight digit IATA numeric code that is recognized by the travel supplier community, including cruise lines, tour operators, hoteliers, and car rental companies. The recognition of this universal numeric code by travel suppliers will allows the Outside Sales Agents / Independent Contractors and Home Based Travel Agencies of booking travel products and services directly with thousands of travel industry suppliers.

22410 68th Avenue East
Bradenton,Florida 34211
+1 (941) 322-9700
Fax: +1 (941) 981-1902

www.ossn.com

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. PATA provides marketing, research and educational opportunities to a membership of government tourist offices, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and related companies. PATA’s mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership and PATA has long been an advocate of balancing growth with responsible conservation measures.

Founded in 1951, PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 national government members, state, and local tourism bodies, 66 airlines and cruise lines amounting to nearly 2,000 travel industry companies. PATA’s members also include companies which provide a wide range of services to the travel industry. PATA’s Chapter membership includes 17,000 travel professionals in 80+ PATA Chapters located throughout the world. All facets of the travel industry are represented within PATA’s partnership including public and private sectors, large and small organisations, developed and developing nations, and companies that provide a wide range of services to the travel industry.

Through targeted marketing and promotional programmes, high-visibility business networking opportunities, and a wealth of support and resource services, PATA provides a partnership for its members’ professional and personal growth. PATA provides its members with an array of programmes and events created to promote the region as the preferred international destination. These activities also aim to develop a sustainable future for the travel industry and to assist members with professional development in a number of fields.

Originally oriented toward sending visitors to the Pacific Asia region, PATA has grown to encompass the changing marketplace and now incorporates intra-regional tourism within the PATA geographic boundaries. The PATA Annual Conference draws together the top decision-makers in the region and The PATA Travel Mart focuses on marketing opportunities by matching the buyers and sellers of tourism products to help members target new business opportunities and learn the most successful techniques for development.

989 Rama I Road
Bangkok 10330 Thailand
+1 66 (02) 658-2000
Fax: +1 (561) 575-437: 

www.pata.org

A Scheduled Airline Traffic Office (SATO) was an airline ticket office jointly owned by the air carriers and authorized to operate on U.S. military bases and other U.S. Government properties. SATOs are carrier -run offices in government buildings which operate as joint ventures among the airlines. On the other hand, “appointed agencies” were formerly forbidden to compete with SATOs by being prohibited from establishing business locations on U.S. Government properties. However, pursuant to CAB ruling, regular “appointed” agencies were allowed to establish operations on U.S. government property and thus compete directly with SATOs.

SATO was purchased by Peter Ueberoth’s Contrarian Group from the carriers when antitrust questions arose and has since passed into private non-carrier ownership.

800 Place Victoria
Montreal, Quebec Canada
+1 (514) 874-0202
Fax: +66 (02) 658-2010

www1.iata.org

The Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) brings together individuals from all elements of incentive travel to provide a resource for information exchange and problem solving. Members are offered discounted rates to the regional Universities of Incentive Travel with curriculum covering a wide range of “how to” subjects in incentive travel. Members are offered discounted rates to the annual International Conference and other conference held around the world, whose agendas focus on trends and developments that will impact incentive travel in the future.

SITE publications, include: The annual Resource Manual including the Incentive Travel Factbook, which is a compendium of research on the field with market statistics and trends; In-SITE, a bi-monthly member newsletter covering issues affecting incentive travel worldwide and organizational activities. Membership enables one to seek designation as a Certified Incentive Travel Executive (CITE), the field’s highest individual professional designation.

401 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
+1 (312) 321-5148
Fax: +1 (301) 654-6663

www.site-intl.org

The Society of Travel Agents in Government (STAG) was formed to represent the interests of travel agencies involved in the sale of government travel. Government travel services amount to $20 billion per year, and STAG is a non-profit organization forum for the sale of government travel services. Since 1983, STAG has enhanced the competence of travel agencies by providing travel services to governmental bodies through education, sponsoring networking opportunities, and by promoting professional standards. SGTP offers Education Conferences Individualized Workshops and maintains On-Line Publications information.

6935 Wisconsin Ave. #200 6935
Bethesda, Maryland 20815
+1 (301) 654-8595
Fax: +1 (514) 874-9632

www.government-travel.org

HOTREC is the Confederation of National Associations of Hotels, Restaurants, Caf’s and Similar Establishments in the European Union and European Economic Areas. HOTREC’s mission is to maximise pan-European cooperation between members and to defend the interests of the European hotel, restaurant and caf’ industry. For this purpose it follows all proposals discussed within the European Institutions, monitors European developments and takes a defensive position on all issues affecting the hotel, restaurant and caf’ industry.

HORTEC is a Belgian international association recognized by Royal Decree of the Belgian government. HORTEC represents the interests of approximately 40 national trade and employer associations as well as hotel, restaurant and caf’ industries of 20 European countries in the European Union, the European Economic Area (EAA), and EU Associated Countries. HOTREC’s membership is strictly limited to private national associations within the EU and EEA Member States and to EU state organizations specifically connected to the EU.

HOTREC also takes part in the European Social Dialogue established by the Maastricht Treaty and participates in the Sectorial Social Dialogue with the European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture and Tourism sectors and allied branches (EFFAT) and interactes with other branches of European Tourism.

111 Boulevard Anspach, Box 4
Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 513 63 23
Fax: +32 2 502 41 73

www.hotrec.org

The Travel Agent Arbiter (TAA) is an individual selected by a committee representing travel agents and air carriers whose responsibility is arbitrating disputes between travel agents and (a) the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), (b) individual carriers, and a computer reservation system participants. Since 1988, the Arbiter has established rules giving travel agents, for the first time, the right and power to initiate complaints against ARC.

The jurisdiction of the TAA includes: all individual complaints arising out of the agent-ARC relationship, and disputes between an ARC-approved agent and a carrier party to the ARC Carrier Services Agreement, in which all parties to the dispute have consented in writing to the jurisdiction of the Office of TAA and to accept the decision of the TAA as final and binding. If both parties agree, additional agent-carrier issues can be brought before the arbiter. In addition, Worldspan affiliated agents may bring disputes with that organization directly to the Arbiter per the terms of their Worldspan agreement. In all cases, a final written decision and order with detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law is issued and made public. The TAA also maintains a compendium of all (6,000+) past decisions.

The Travel Agent Arbiter replaced the Travel Agent Commissioner in 1988, as a result of the settlement of the ARTA v. ARC lawsuit.

5870 Trinity Pkwy., Suite 170
Centreville, Virginia 20120

+1 (703) 988-9004

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is a Washington DC based non-profit association that represents and speaks for the common interests and concerns of all components of the U.S. travel industry. TIA was established in 1941 to increases public awareness of the economic importance of travel and to promote domestic and international travel.

TIA is a leader in promoting and facilitating increased travel to and within the United States in order to promote the US as the world’s number one tourism destination. TIA is an authoritative and recognized source of research, analysis, and forecasting for the travel industry and is a primary spokesperson to the domestic and international media.

1100 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
+1 (202) 408-8422
Fax: +1 (703) 988-9004: 

www.tia.org

The United States Tour Operators Association is the largest and most influential U.S. organization of tour operators. USTOA encourages and supports professional and financial integrity in tourism and provides information about member tour operators� activities. Formed in 1972, with a desire to elevate standards of professionalism in the travel industry USTOA developed into the first travel organization to establish a consumer protection fund, followed by a member bonding requirement to protect consumers’ tour deposits and payments in case of bankruptcy or default.

USTOA’s highly active government affairs committee has campaigned for more open US borders. USTOA has also worked successfully with the U.S. State Department and other government entities to facilitate tourism worldwide. USTOA also provides a useful Personality Quiz to determine the needs of tourists as clients.

Membership requirements of USTOA are relatively high, as tour operator candidates must submit a total of 18 references from a variety of industry sources and financial institutions, and must meet specific minimums in terms of tour passengers and/or dollar volume. The tour operator must also have been in business under the same management for at least three years in the U.S., and must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance.

275 Madison Ave Suite 2014
New York, New York 10173
+1 (212) 599-6599
Fax: +1 (212) 599-6744

www.ustoa.com

As a division ESCAP of the United Nations, the Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development Division (TCTIDD) handles all matters related to travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region from Turkey to the United States and every country in between. TCTIDD assists member countries in improving the development, management, operation, maintenance, and pricing of environmentally sound, efficient, and safe transport and communications facilities and services.

TCTIDD also assists in: strengthening national capabilities in tourism policy, planning and promotion; human resources development in the tourism sector; facilitation of travel; investment for tourism infrastructure; measuring the economic impact of tourism; regional and subregional cooperation in tourism development; technical advisory services upon request of member and associate member governments; and data and information on tourism development issues to member and associate members through various publications, including the ESCAP Tourism Review and the ESCAP Tourism Newsletter.

The TCTIDD comprises three sections and one unit: the General Transport, Coordination and Communications Section; the Land Transport Section; the Water Transport Section; and the Tourism Unit. The TCTIDD assists countries in the Asian Pacific region in identifying emerging issues of regional importance, defining and setting standards for regional land transport linkages, developing policy options and strengthening national capabilities by: promoting regional and subregional cooperation and approaches to issues of common concern to formal and informal groupings of countries; preparing studies, publications, electronic issuances, information systems, databases and software; and providing advisory services and group training.

Recent major initiatives of the Tourism Unit in Thailand, include the establishment of the Working Group on the Greater Mekong Subregion in the Tourism Sector. In 1997, The Tourism Unit also established the Network of Asia-Pacific Education and Training Institutes in Tourism (APETIT) which includes The Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (supra).

The Plan of Action for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Asian and Pacific Region (PASTA), adopted by ESCAP in 1999, has 6 theme areas and modalities at the regional and national level for taking action. PASTA guides the work of ESCAP and provides the mandate for organizing national seminars and workshops on all aspects of sustainable tourism development. A wealth of information and online publications are available at the TCTIDD website.

The United Nations Building Rajdamnern Avenue
Bangkok, Thailand
+66 (02) 288-1426
Fax: +1 (202) 408-1255

www.unescap.org

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the leading international governmental organization for travel and tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and is a practical source of travel-related statistics. With its headquarters in Madrid, the UNWTO maintains an international staff of 90 tourism specialists. The UNWTO is an inter-governmental organization charged by the United Nations with a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

Through tourism and sustainable development, the UNWTO aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation, provide incentives for protecting the environment and cultural heritage, and promote peace, prosperity and respect for human rights. The United Nations World Tourism Organization maintains government statistics and research on both the national and international levels.

Full Membership in the UNWTO is open to all sovereign States while Associate Membership is open to all territories not responsible for their external relations. Affiliate membership comprises a wide range of organizations and companies working either directly in travel and tourism or in related sectors including: airlines and other transport companies; hotels and restaurants; tour operators; retail travel agents; banking institutions; and publishing groups.

The UNWTO’s membership includes 139 countries, seven territories, and some 350 Affiliate Members representing regional and local promotion boards, tourism trade associations, educational institutions and private sector companies, including airlines, hotel groups and tour operators. The UNWTO website maintains an extensive collection of electronic publications.

Madrid 
Spain
+34 (91) 567-8100
Fax: +22 338-8810

www.world-tourism.org

The Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA) is a federation of national associations of travel agents and tour operators and is the largest world body representing the travel industry. The Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association represents 114 National Associations and additional Affiliate members in a total of 121 countries. UFTAA has consultative status with the UN/NGO/ECOSOC, and works closely with other world bodies such as UNESCO, WHO for a sustainable development and responsible tourism.

UFTAA seeks to encourage travel among people of all nations and to support the freedom of travel throughout the world. To this end, UFTAA is an effective lobbying body and opposes legislation directly harmful to travel and free movement. UFTAA seeks to reduce or abolish bureaucratic obstacles to travel. Recognising the need to unify travel agencies and tour-operators into one international federation carrying the voice and defending the rights of travel industry professionals, UFTAA was founded in 1966 as a result of a merger of two large world organisations, FIAV and UOTAA.

UFTAA is dedicated to Education and Training and maintains the UFTAA Educational Academy. UFTAA has an active partnership with the IATA/UFTAA Training Programme and includes a four level educational programme. The new courses also include Marketing and Management education.

The IATA-UFTAA Training Programme is available through a number of means including Distant learning, Classroom teaching at 220 authorized training centres around the world as well as made to measure courses at the student�s locale. To date over 200,000 students have participated in the IATA-UFTAA Training Programme.

To provide Liability Insurance to its members agencies and operators, UFTAA is working closely with major insurance companies to protect travel agents from any actions brought against them for accidents to third parties that may occur on the travel agents property or for injury during their travel or in their accommodation during performance of their professional activities.

During 1990, in co-operation with IATA and National Associations, UFTAA initiated the Professional Travel Agents Card Programme, which is available to the staff of Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, and in some countries, Allied Members. The card is accepted world-wide as identity for discounted travel, accommodation, and travel services for Travel Agents.

Stade, Louis II 98000
Monaco
+377 (92) 05 29 87
Fax: +66 (02) 280-6042

www.uftaa.org

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the organization responsible for the formulation of a policy framework at the international level to encourage creation and the protection of intellectual property, to create an environment in which intellectual property is respected throughout the world. Through its member States, The World Intellectual Property Organization seeks to harmonize national intellectual property legislation and procedures, provide services for international applications for industrial property rights, exchange intellectual property information, provide legal and technical assistance to developing and other countries, facilitate the resolution of private intellectual property disputes, and marshal information technology as a tool for storing, accessing, and using valuable intellectual property information.

WIPO is important of the travel industry in a number of ways including, formation of guidelines for international registration of trademarks, logos, and copyrights. Professional patents and the protection of trade secrets as well as anti-trust and unfair competition are all areas that frequently affect the travel industry.

34, Chemin des Colombettes
Geneva, Switzerland
+022 338-9547
Fax: +1 (212) 599-6744

www.wipo.org

The Association of European Airlines (AEA) is a non-profit-making association representing the interests of its member airlines to the institutions of the European Union, to the European Civil Aviation Conference, to any other institutional organisations or association involved in or likely to be involved in issues of interest to AEA members and, as appropriate, to individual governments. It advance further the co-operation amongst its members on any matter likely to be of interest to the membership as whole and within the possible framework. In pursuing its objectives the association collects, analyses and interprets information and carry out research required by the activities which it undertakes and liaise with associations, organizations or authorities whose activities and roles are relevant to the objectives of the AEA. Since the end of 2002 AEA aims to become an airline-driven lobbying organization. Originally AEA derived from a joint study group formed in 1952 on initiative of the Presidents of Air France, KLM, Sabena, Swissair, shortly later joined by BEA (a forerunner of British Airways) and SAS. Two years later the Air Research Bureau (ARB) was established in Brussels. The name was subsequently changed to the European Airlines Research Bureau and in 1973 to AEA. For most of AEA’s history, membership was limited to IATA member airlines. This rule was relaxed in 1981 to allow Luxair to complete the full set of EU flag-carriers. AEA has had in all 37 members: three (Balkan, Sabena, Swissair) have suffered corporate failures, two (BEA and BOAC) merged into British Airways, and two (British Caledonian and UTA) were taken-over by BA and Air France respectively. The member airlines today are: Adria Airways; Jat Airways; Aer Lingus; KLM, Air France; LOT Polish Airlines; Air Malta, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Alitalia; Luxair; Austrian; Malev Hungarian Airlines; British Airways; Meridiana; bmi; Olympic Airways; Cargolux; SAS; Croatia Airlines; SN Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Spanair; Cyprus Airways; Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.; Finnair; TAP Air Portugal; Iberia; TAROM – Romanian Air Transport; Icelandair; Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Avenue Louise 350
Brussels B-1050
Belgium
+32 (0)2 639 89 89
Fax: +32 (0)2 639 89 99

www.aea.be

COPA (Committee of Agricultural Organizations) is made up of 29 organizations from the 15 members of the European Union.

COPA represents both the general and specific interests of farmers in the Member States and, since its foundation has been recognized by the Community authorities as the spokesman for the agricultural sector as a whole.

Established in Brussels on 1 April 1959; it merged with that of COGECA on 1 December 1962.

COPA has a number of objectives, such as to examine any matters related to the development of the Community’s agricultural policy; to represent the interests of the agricultural sector as a whole; to seek solutions which are of common interest, and to maintain and develop relations with the Community authorities and with any other representative organizations or social partner established at European level.

On the international scene COPA enjoys privileged relations with many organizations beyond the European Union’s frontiers. Whether these organizations are national or international, agricultural or not, the aim of these contacts is the same: to strengthen dialogue with all those on whom the European agricultural sector depends.

COEGCA Created on 24 September 1959 COEGCA is officially recognized as a representative body of all agricultural and fishery co-operatives in the EU, COGECA represents their general and specific interests by the Community authorities: European Commission, Council of Ministers, European Parliament, Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions.

Rue de la Science 23-25
Brussels, Belgium
+32 (0)2/287.27.11
Fax: +32 (0)2/287.27.00

www.cogeca.be

The European Federation of Camping site Organizations and Holiday Park Associations (EFCO&HPA) is the representative body of the camping and caravanning industry at the European level, including caravans, tents, motor homes, chalets and all forms of self-catering accommodation in the park setting.

The European Federation of Camping site Organizations and Holiday Park Associations represents an industry of some 20,000-holiday parks within the European union.

Membership is made up of the national trade associations for the sector in each member state of the European Union, as well as Croatia, Hungary, Norway and Switzerland. Over 14,000 individuals, operating one or more camping/caravanning business, are EFCO&HPA members.

6 Pullman Court
Great Western Road
Gloucester, GL1 3ND
United Kingdom
(+44) 1452 526911
Fax:  (+44) 1452 508508

www.campingeurope.com

FEG was founded in 1986 in Paris and is set up as a non-profit association according to the French sans but lucratif law of 1901.

FEG has the following aims: to group together the Tourist Guide associations of the countries of Europe and particularly those of the European Union; to strengthen members’ professional links and protect their interests; to represent the Tourist Guide profession at European level and at national government within each member country in order to promote collective professional interest; to publicise and improve the quality of service offered by the Tourist Guide profession at European level

33 Greencroft Gardens
London NW6 3LN
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 7372 7578
Fax: +44 (0)20 7625 9693

www.touristguides-europe.org

The European Car and Truck Rental Association was founded in 1964 and represents the vehicle short term rental (daily) and long term rental (contract hiring/leasing) industries of 14 European countries.

The Association represents some 7,200 companies with a total of nearly 14,000 offices and about 115,000 employees. ECATRA members have outlets in every major town, airport and railway stations throughout Europe.

The Association secretariat is based in Brussels and represents the industry’s interest at the European Union Institution’s level.

Avenue de Tervueren 402
Brussels
Belgium
+32 2 761 66 14
Fax: +32 2 777 05 05

www.ecatra.org

ETAG was established on the initiative of the European Travel Commission following a representative industry conference in 1981.

ETAG aims to provide a forum for the key interests concerned with the provision of visitor services and facilities. While each sector member interest has their own professional and trade concerns the Group seeks to identify and promote the common interest in tourism development which links all the sectors together.

c/o ETC, Avenue Marnix 19a
Brussels 1000
Belgium

www.etag-euro.org

The principal objective of ECTAA is to represent and promote the interests of the tourism industry, and more particularly, the interests of the travel agents and tour operators. This means concretely that ECTAA monitors and follows-up any issue of a legal, economic or technical nature relating to the tourism industry in Europe, with a view to informing and consulting the national member and observer associations.

Rue Dautzenberg 36, B
Brussels 1050
Belgium
+32.2.644.34.50
Fax: +32.2.644.24.21

www.ectaa.org

The European Travel Commission (ETC) is a non-profit making organization with its headquarters in Brussels. Its members are the 33 National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of Europe, whose role is to market and promote tourism to Europe in general, and to their individual countries in particular.

The main objectives of the European Travel Commission are to: Promote Europe as an attractive tourist destination; Assist member NTOs to exchange knowledge and work collaboratively; provide industry partners and other interested parties with easy access to material & statistics regarding inbound tourism to Europe.

Avenue Marnix 19a (PO Box 25)
Brussels, Belgium
+32 (0)-2-502 01 13
Fax: +32 (0)-2-514 18 43 

www.etc-corporate.org

EUTO is an organization that fosters trans-national networking between all European middle and top managers principally engaged in the work of tourism promotion and development. In recent years, EUTO has proven to be of high value for the new European destinations that want to gain experience and information in the shortest possible time, by learning from best practice and experience of their peers.

In addition, EUTO co-ordinates and develops high quality professional training of specialists in the European tourism field. For this, it will soon be introducing a Vocational Training and Advisory Partnership-Project, that should be eligible for EU-funding.

EUTO supports all the above by staging and organizing an Annual Convention and other events, open to all members and other interested tourism professionals.

The European Union of Tourist Officers is an association under Belgian law (vzw/asbl). The association has numerous members in the tourist profession, mostly grouped in national associations.

200 Chemin du Bois d’Andrieu
Canet, 34800
France
+44-1294313006
Fax: +44-1294313016 

www.euto.net

Since its birth in 1904, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the FIA, has been dedicated to representing the interests of motoring organizations and motor car users throughout the world. It is also the governing body of motor sport worldwide.

This combination of road and track gives the FIA a unique responsibility as an independent world body concerned with a wide range of automotive, motoring and mobility issues.

The FIA is a non-profit making association, which brings together some 160 national motoring organizations from 118 countries on five continents. Its member clubs represent over 100 million motorists and their families. This is a powerful mandate, which the FIA is proud to defend. On issues such as safety, mobility, the environment and consumer law the FIA actively promotes the interests of motorists at the United Nations, within the European Union and other international bodies.

8, Place de la Concorde
Paris 75008
France
+33 1 43 12 44 55
Fax: +33 1 43 12 44 66

www.fia.com

At the Finnish Tourist Board you’ll find information about how to make the most of your trip to Finnish, whether you are visiting for pleasure or business.

The Finnish Tourist Board, MEK, was established in 1973 under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to promote tourism to Finland. It is allocated a special appropriation from the State budget to finance its operations: 16,218,000 euros in 2004. In addition the Finnish tourist industry contributes approx. nine million euros. MEK works in close cooperation with and for the Finnish tourist and travel industry, implementing and financing marketing projects jointly with the industry. One of the joint goals is to develop more enticing, competitive products for tourists.

P.O. Box 625, Töölönkatu 11
Helsinki 00101
Finland
+358 (0)9 4176 911
Fax: +358 (0)9 4176 9399

www.visitfinland.com

12, Street Bixio
Paris 75007
France
+01 45 56 13 53
Fax: +01 47 05 29 17

www.fif.asso.fr

HOTREC represents hotels, restaurants and cafés in the European Union. It is the recognized spokesman for the interests of 35 national trade and employer associations and the hotel, restaurant and café industry of 21 European countries.

HOTREC’ s mission is to carry out two main functions. First, to maximize pan-European co-operation between members. Second, to defend the interests of the European hotel, restaurant and café industry through representation by the European Union Institutions, dialogue with Social Partners, interaction with other branches of European Tourism, and relations with the international Tourism industry.

111 boulevard Anspach, Box 4
Brussels, 1000
Belgium
+32-2-513-63-23
Fax: +32-2-502-41-73 

www.hotrec.org

The IATM main goal is to promote and maintain the highest standards of competence, integrity and professional conduct on the part of all Tour Managers and to promote, protect and improve the welfare and status of Tour Managers.

In addition IATM represents the views of Tour Managers at national, European Union and international levels and is lobbying for full professional recognition; provides a dispute procedure upon legitimate written complaint and, when necessary, operates a disciplinary function over its members or a defense procedure on their behalf; organizes educational tours, visits and programs, promoting and encouraging among its members the highest standards of performance and knowledge; publishes regular newsletters and an annual membership handbook; holds an annual meeting where members can exchange views, help form Association policy and attend seminars and lectures; IATM has a social aspect and cooperates fully with other trade organizations.

397 Walworth Road
London, SE17 2AW
United Kingdom
+44 (020) 7703 9154
Fax: +44 (020) 7703 0358

www.iatm.co.uk

The IH&RA is an international trade association exclusively devoted to promoting and defending the interests of the hotel and restaurant industry worldwide.

51, rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Paris, 75001
France
+33 (0) 1 44 88 92 20
Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 88 92 30 

www.ih-ra.com

The International Road Transport Union assists bus and coach as well as taxi and truck operators throughout the world and briefs them on developments affecting their business. Through its national associations on every continent, the IRU speaks for the entire road transport industry.

The IRU, through its national associations, represents the entire road transport industry world-wide. It speaks for the operators of coaches, taxis and trucks, from large transport fleets to driver-owners. In all international bodies that make decisions affecting road transport, the IRU acts as the industry’s advocate.

By working for the highest professional standards, the IRU improves the safety record and environmental performance of road transport and ensures the mobility of people and goods. Among its practical services to the industry, the IRU is international guarantor of the TIR carnet system under which trucks are sealed by customs upon departure and can cross several borders without further checks until they reach their destinations.

3, rue de Varembé
PO Box 44
Geneva 
Switzerland
+41 (22) 918 27 00
Fax: +41 (22) 918 27 41

www.iru.org

The Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization representing the interests of national automobile associations and touring clubs. Established in 1898 in Luxembourg by seventeen clubs from Europe and America it started as the first international organization of tourists. Today AIT became a world-wide federation of touring clubs and automobile associations. It´s mission is to promote safe travel and freedom of personal mobility around the globe.

In 2002 the AIT consisted of 140 member associations in 101 countries. These member associations number approximately 110 million individual club members world-wide thus representing more than 300 million individuals around the globe.

The AIT is divided into four regions (Region I: Europe, Middle East and Africa; Region II: Asia and Pacific; Region III: North America; Region IV: Latin America) and has two membership categories: active members (organisations with full voting rights) and adherent members (organisations with an observer status without voting rights).

The majority of the AIT’s active members are touring clubs and motoring associations, though about one fifth are open air clubs – cycle touring, camping and caravanning, hiking, nautical touring and more.

AIT does not deal directly with the public. Its services are far-reaching on different areas of activities relating to travel and mobility and include mutual assistance agreements between its member associations for the benefit of these associations’ individual members when travelling abroad.

Chemin de Blandonnet 2
P.O. Box 111
Geneva, 1215 15 
Switzerland
+ 41 22 544 45 00
Fax: + 41 22 544 45 50

www.aitgva.ch

UIC is the worldwide organization for railway cooperation. It is active in all the fields involved in developing rail transport.

The International Union of Railways (UIC), was founded 1922 after two intergovernmental conferences with the aim of creating uniform conditions for the establishment and operation of railways. The primary role of UIC as the worldwide railway organization is to promote all forms of international cooperation between its 162 members from all 5 continents and to carry out activities to develop international transport by rail. The UIC maintains and develops the overall coherence of the railway system and enhances international interoperability of railway equipments in order to improve the rail competitiveness. To achieve these goals, it prepares international specifications and standards and strives to encourage state-of-the-art technology and new management methods among its members. The UIC represents the rail transport sector vis a vis a large number of international political and economic organizations and has the consultative status at the UN.

16, Rue Jean Rey
Paris, F-75015
France
+33 (0) 1 44 49 20 20
Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 49 20 29 

www.uic.asso.fr

PSARA is the training and education arm of the Passenger Shipping Association representing the UK cruise industry and in order to choose the right cruise holiday, it’s best to book through a PSARA registered travel agency.

PSARA registered agencies display a blue, red and white circular seal, which indicates that they are recognized authorities on today’s cruise products. As well as making the booking process easier, they are professionals with knowledge of valuable information on special fares, accommodation features, new ships and itineraries. Most PSARA registered agencies are active in the industry and can advise prospective travelers from personal experience.

Walmar House
288-292 Regent Street
London, W1B 3AL
United Kingdom
+44 20 7436 2449
Fax: +44 20 7636 9206 

www.psa-psara.org