Westbury concludes time as WTAAA Chair

Westbury concludes time as WTAAA Chair
By Kate Webster


After two years as Chair on the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), Jayson Westbury has concluded his role which saw him expand its membership considerably, negotiate for change with IATA and continue to represent the interests of the travel agency community on the global stage.

The WTAAA held its annual General Assembly and bi-annual Board meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, from 4-6 September 4-6, 2016 where they have elected a new board.

Newly elected WTAAA office bearers include Chair – Otto de Vries (CEO – Association of Southern African Travel Agents), Vice Chair – Mark Meader (Vice President – Industry Affairs American Society of Travel Agents) and Treasurer – Praveen Chugh (President – Travel Agents Federations of India).

The following newly elected WTAAA Board (Directors, Deputy Directors) will hold a two- year-term:

  • Australia (AFTA): Mr Jayson Westbury
  • Brazil (ABAV): Mr Edmar Bull , Mr Marcelo de Oliveria
  • Canada (ACTA): Ms Wendy Paris, Mrs Heather Craig-Peddie
  • Europe (ECTAA): Mr Lars Thykier, Mr Michel de Blust
  • India (TAFI): Mr Praveen Chugh, Mr Jayesh Tharani
  • New Zealand (TAANZ): Mr Andrew Bowman, Mr Andrew Olsen
  • South Africa (ASATA) Mr Otto de Vries, Mrs Vanya Lessing
  • USA (ASTA) Mr Mark Meader,
  • Asean (FATA) Mr Hamzah Rahmat, Mr Suparek Surangoora
  • Spain (CEAV) Mr Rafael Nadal, Ms Eva Blasco

The new Chair Otto de Vries commented that with the role of this global association comes the opportunity to champion the concerns and causes of not only ASATA members, but the entire global travel agency community over the coming year.

“I wish to thank the outgoing Chair for his immeasurable contribution over the past two years. Much work lies ahead of us and I know that I can continue to count on his wisdom and guidance as we move forward,” de Vries said.

The board of WTAAA also bestowed its second only life honorary membership to founding delegate from TAANZ, Peter Barlow on his departure from the board after 10 years. He is replaced by Andrew Bowman.

Also discussed during the meeting was global relationships with the GDS, expanded membership for the future of the WTAAA, important strategic position papers for the travel value chain in the future and complex competition issues facing the industry at large.

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