WTAAA Strengthens Global Footprint with Addition of Malaysian and Thai Travel Associations
Brussels, 13 March 2026 – The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), the global voice of the travel agency community, has announced the addition of two prominent Southeast Asian associations: the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Thailand’s International Air Ticket Agency Association (ITA). The strategic expansion significantly strengthens WTAAA’s presence in […]
WTAAA issues global fraud warning for travel agency community
World body urges travel agencies to review NDC registrations and closely monitor accreditation activity following confirmed incidents across multiple markets. Brussels, 02 March 2026 — The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) is alerting the global travel agency community to a sophisticated fraud scheme involving the unauthorised use of agency IATA accreditation numbers to obtain […]
Eva Blasco To Lead Global Travel Alliance WTAAA Into 2026
Johannesburg, 25 November 2025 – The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) is proud to announce its new Board of Directors for 2026, with Eva Blasco appointed as the new Chairperson, succeeding Wendy Paradis who has completed her term. The newly elected Executive Committee brings together respected industry leaders from across the globe: Otto de […]
New WTAAA Board Takes Decisive Action To Drive Travel Industry Change
With a newly elected board at the helm, the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) is taking decisive action to address the critical challenges facing travel agents and advisors today – championing their interests in an evolving industry. At its recent General Assembly and Board Meeting in Athens, Greece, last week, the organisation unveiled its […]
Travel Agency Association Applauds American Airlines’ NDC Strategy Shift, Urges Ongoing Dialogue
The World Travel Agency Association (WTAAA) applauds American Airlines for its willingness to listen to the travel agency community’s concerns and take decisive action. In re-evaluating its distribution strategy, the airline has reversed its policy of linking AAdvantage loyalty points exclusively to NDC bookings with preferred sellers. Otto de Vries, Executive Director WTAAA, says: “It […]
Brazil’s ABAV rejoins The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) today announced the return of the Brazilian Association of Travel Agents (ABAV) as its newest member, further boosting its global representation of travel advisors and travel agents. As the largest entity representing the interests of travel agencies in Brazil, ABAV’s addition solidifies and expands WTAAA’s presence in South […]
WTAAA demands end to unfair skiplagging penalties for agents
As airfares continue to surge, travellers increasingly turn to skiplagging for more affordable options. Skiplagging is the practice of booking a cheaper flight with a layover at a destination the traveller intends going to, and then intentionally skipping the final leg to secure a lower fare. While this approach can be tempting for cost-conscious travellers, […]
American Airlines’ New Loyalty Policy Threatens Travel Agent Ecosystem – WTAAA
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) is deeply concerned by American Airlines’ recent decision to impose punitive measures against travel agencies that choose to use third-party booking platforms. The airline recently announced that only bookings made directly with American or one of a small number of “preferred” agencies will qualify for AAdvantage miles accrual, […]
Amadeus becomes first Allied Member of World Travel Agents Associations Alliance
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) today welcomed Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider, as its first Allied Member. This new membership category allows industry partners to collaborate more closely with WTAAA in advocating for the travel agency sector globally. As an Allied Member, Amadeus will provide insights to help support WTAAA’s strategy and […]
Travel advisors concerned about junk fees, hotel price transparency
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier this week in support of a proposed rulemaking which would prohibit unfair and deceptive practices related to “junk fees” – hidden or deceptive fees that can harm consumers and undermine honest businesses. While charging mandatory resort fees has come under greater scrutiny in recent years, […]