President's Podium: Meeting of Minds

My friends and counterparts of the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) assembled last week in Toronto for several meetings. During the week ACTA hosted a VIP event for our WTAAA guests to meet with members of the Canadian travel industry and discuss mutual interests of both organizations. The following release has been issued by the WTAAA following the week of meetings and events that I thought you would find of interest.

Sincerely,

RELEASE:
The World Travel Agents Association Alliance (WTAAA) came together on the 25th March.

The issue of airline fuel surcharges emerged prominently at the first board meeting of 2015 held in Toronto, Canada. WTAAA believe it is no longer acceptable for airlines to levy a fuel surcharge given the many changes to consumer laws and inclusive pricing that is being adopted globally.

WTAAA members also discussed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) resolutions applicable to the agency programme and the changes that were needed to enable a better working agreement between airlines and travel agents. Specifically addressed were matters of reasonable timeframes for refunds  and airlines’ compliance with a range of resolutions, including the airlines’ abuse of the Agency Debit Memo (ADM). The WTAAA will be making representations to advance changes through Passenger Agency Program Global Joint Council to be held later this year.

Discussion also covered travel qualifications and certifications. Whilst noting that all countries approach to learning and development will be aligned to the rules and regulatory environment of the home country, there is scope to collaborate with world partners.

As the WTAAA moves into an important new phase in its history, the organization is considering the appointment of a Secretary General to underpin and support its on-going  and widely varying efforts.