world travel association

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Miss razan hawwa, courtyard by marriott burlington, ontario, mudi astuti, strategi komunikasi utama, jakarta, indonesia, caribbean office of trade & industrial development limited, christopher byneal, trinidad & tobago, bangladesh international hotel association, h.m. hakim ali, dhaka, bangladesh.

WTTC: World Travel and Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism sector globally.

Our  Members  include over 200 CEOs, Chairpersons and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest economic sectors,  supporting one in 10 jobs (330 million)  worldwide, and  generating 10.3% of global GDP .

For the past 30 years, WTTC has conducted research on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries. In 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector  experienced 3.5% growth , outpacing that of the  global economy (2.5%)  for the ninth consecutive year. Over the past five years,  one in four new jobs were created  by the sector, making Travel & Tourism the best partner for governments to generate employment.

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Survey: 4 out of 5 American Travelers Embrace Biometrics Use at Airport Security

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Every day, we are pursuing our unique mission to increase travel to and within the united states., featured news.

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U.S. Travel SmartBrief

The latest travel news, delivered right to your inbox. 

TRAVEL: POWERING THE ECONOMY. CONNECTING AMERICA.

Learn more about the impact of the travel industry, american jobs.

In 2023, the travel industry directly employed 8 million Americans and supported nearly 15 million jobs .

National GDP

The travel industry represents 2.5% of our national GDP. Travel is a top services export for our nation and has the unique ability to generate a trade surplus for the U.S. economy.

Economic Output

$2.8 trillion.

Travel accounted for $1.3 trillion in direct spending in 2023—which produced an economic footprint of $2.8 trillion .

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the world's leading association of travel professionals, is the global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry and the traveling public. We champion ethical and traveler-friendly practices and policies at every level of government and throughout the travel and hospitality industry. Our members are all bound by a shared code of ethics.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

ASTA's specialized courses range from legal issues and marketing to artificial intelligence. There’s also a wide array of travel advisor fam trips, training and certifications with significant ASTA member discounts on all programs.   

USING A TRAVEL ADVISOR

Planning a trip today can be complicated and time confusing. Travel advisors are here to help. If you’re ready to pack your bags and you know where you want to go, submit our form to connect directly with a travel advisor.

A TRAVEL ADVISOR

Are you looking for a career with high growth potential? The pandemic has made consumers increasingly appreciative and aware of the benefits of working with a travel advisor so their services are more in demand than ever.

Featured News

From travel tips and trends to hands-on advice from ASTA members and media coverage of the industry, here are some of our favorite stories.

ASTA Partners with Signature Travel Network on Verified Travel Advisor Certification

The consortium has provided exclusive access to VTA training for their network to support the professional development of all members.

More than 300 Travel Professionals and Industry Leaders Join the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) for an Immersive Educational Experience at Sandals Royal Curaçao

The American Society of Travel Advisors and Ka'anapali, Hawaii Host Third Annual Travel Masters Event at Kapalua

The invitation-only leadership golf tournament focused on networking and strengthening relationships between supplier and agency executives.

Travel Advisors Send Nebraska Legislators a Strong Message: No New Sales Tax on Services

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UPCOMING EVENTS

ASTA events bring together the best minds in the industry. It is where Travel Agency Professionals, convene for inspiration, education, and entertainment. Browse through the series of upcoming events below and register now to start expanding your knowledge.

Join us on Capitol Hill for the most important advocacy event of the year

Experience this exclusive event for ASTA Premium Members on the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady.

Join us in Vienna to experience more than a dozen river cruise ships. WAIT LIST ONLY

The only industry event focused on the skills and insights you need to grow your travel business.

Experience all things Caribbean with ASTA in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Proud Partners

We are grateful to our most supportive partners, ASTA Proud Partners. Recognizing how important travel advisors are to their success, these companies invest their time and resources to support ASTA’s mission and ensure a healthy and robust travel agency distribution channel.

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EMBRACING THE MOMENTUM, INNOVATING THROUGH ACTION —— Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024 Successfully Concludes

From August 21 to 23, the "Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024" was successfully held at the headquarters of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA).

Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024 to Launch Soon

The World Tourism Alliance Research is set to host the highly anticipated "Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024" on August 21-22.

WTA Participates in the 2024 Shanghai International Leisure Forum

On August 7, the 2024 Shanghai International Leisure Forum (SILF) took place in Shanghai. Mr. Liu Shijun, Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), was invited to deliver a keynote speech. 

Europe-China Tourism Dialogue

WTA Secretariat Visits European Members to Strengthen Cooperation

The WTA Secretariat, led by YANG Wenjiao, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Cooperation and Development Division, visited Switzerland and France from July 6th to the 10th, 2024.

From August 21 to 23, the “Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024” was successfully held at the headquarters of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA). Organized by the World Tourism Alliance Research and co-hosted by ROCA Cultural Tourism, this seminar brought together nearly 100 representatives from cultural and tourism administrative departments, tourism enterprises, and academic institutions across 25 provinces (municipalities).

The World Tourism Alliance Research is set to host the highly anticipated “Destination Marketing (Inbound Tourism) Expert Seminar 2024” on August 21-22. Following the successful 2023 seminar, significant developments have emerged in China’s inbound tourism market, fostering a platform for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange.

WTA Delegation Meets with Croatian Tourism Officials

In response to an invitation from the Croatian National Tourist Board, a delegation led by Mr. ZHANG Xu, Chair of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), visited Croatia from July 9 to July 11, 2024.

In an effort to strengthen communication between the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) and overseas its members, as well as to understand their development and expectations, the WTA Secretariat, led by YANG Wenjiao, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Cooperation and Development Division, visited Switzerland and France from July 6th to the 10th, 2024.

Tourism, Bridging China and Europe for a Shared Future: Highlights from the Europe-China Tourism Dialogue

Budapest, Hungary – The picturesque Donau River, with its shimmering waters, set the stage for an enchanting event. The Bálna, Budapest, nestled on the riverbank, sparkled like a gem, capturing the attention of the world.

WTA Chair ZHANG Xu Meets with CEO of National Tourism Organization of Serbia

In response to an invitation from the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, Mr. ZHANG Xu, Chair of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), visited Serbia from July 6 to July 9, 2024.

Europe-China Tourism Dialogue Successfully Held in Budapest

Budapest, July 4 – The “Europe-China Tourism Dialogue”, co-hosted by the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), and the Hungarian Tourism Agency (HTA), was successfully held in Budapest.

August 20 - 23, 2024

China, Hangzhou

July 3-5, 2024

Budapest, Hungary

March 5-7, 2024

Sanya, Hainan Province, China

January 11,2024

Hangzhou, China

Zhengzhou, China

July 3, 2023

Madrid, Spain

May 25-27, 2023

Lijiang, China

April 26-27, 2023

Gansu, China

Linfen, China

Jilin, China

Yiwu, China

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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About UN Tourism

UN Tourism’s leadership vision acknowledges the most pressing challenges facing tourism and identifies the sector’s ability to overcome them and to drive wider positive change, including the opportunities responsible tourism offers for the advancement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN Tourism members have endorsed the Management Vision of the Secretary-General which seeks to position tourism as a policy priority, lead in knowledge creation, enhance the Organization’s capacity through building new and stronger partnerships , and offer better value for existing Members while also expanding membership.

To realize the Management Vision, UN Tourism’s work is based around five distinct pillars:

• making tourism smarter through celebrating innovation and leading the digital transformation of the sector;
• making tourism more competitive at every level through promoting investment and promoting entrepreneurship;
• creating more and better jobs and providing relevant training;
• building resilience and promoting safe and seamless travel; and
• harnessing tourism’s unique potential to protect cultural and natural heritage and to support communities both economically and socially.

As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. 

UN Tourism encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism , to maximize tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing its possible negative impacts, and is committed to promoting tourism as an instrument in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , geared towards reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development worldwide.

UN Tourism generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, fosters tourism education and training, and works to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world. 

UN Tourism’s membership includes 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

Basic Documents

Our management.

The management team works towards a comprehensive vision for development of the tourism sector. This includes positioning tourism as a policy priority, establishing thought leadership in knowledge and policy creation, increasing resources and strengthening UN Tourism’s capacity through meaningful partnerships.

Governing Bodies

 The bodies of the World Tourism Organization are the:

• General Assembly
• Regional Commissions
• Executive Council
• Secretariat

Member States

An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers

Working With the Private Sector

Bringing together over 500 companies, educational and research institutions, destinations and NGOs, the UN Tourism Affiliate Members provides a space for members to engage in dialogue, share information and take further action.

UN Tourism Liaison Office in Geneva

As part of the UN Tourism Geneva Liaison Office (GVLO) scope of work to represent UN Tourism to the UN System and Diplomatic Missions in Geneva and in building strategic partnerships for increased capacity, GVLO has participated in numerous United Nations System led activities.

UN Tourism Tourism Ambassadors

UN Tourism’s Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism are drawn from the worlds of sport, entertainment, business, gastronomy and more.

The global voice of the travel agency community advocating on members’ behalf while facilitating the exchange of ideas and information for the betterment of the community worldwide

WTAAA interacts with travel supplier partners representing all aspects of travel agency distribution from airlines, to hoteliers, to cruise lines, to GDSs and other technology providers, to government entities and more – lobbying key issues on behalf of its members. This includes interceding on IATA matters by participating in multiple related IATA forums impacting the travel agency distribution channel. WTAAA represents 12 regional market associations across the globe with regional and direct member associations in 57 countries worldwide. WTAAA members account for more than 70% of global airline sales through the travel agency channel.

Latest issues

Read all about WTAAA latest issues

American Airlines’ New Loyalty Policy Threatens Travel Agent Ecosystem – WTAAA

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