AFTA’s CEO represents Aussie agents on the global stage at WTAAA meeting

AFTA’s CEO represents Aussie agents on the global stage at WTAAA meeting
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The CEO of the Australia Federation of Travel Agents, Dean Long, attended the global World Travel Agent Association Alliance (WTAAA) meeting in Seoul, Korea this week.

    With many of the key regulations implemented in Australia set globally, the involvement of The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) with the World Travel Agent Association Alliance (WTAAA) is critical.

    With many of the key regulations implemented in Australia set globally, the involvement of AFTA with WTAAA is highly important to the federation.

    AFTA is a founding member of the WTAAA, the primary conduit for all IATA and agency matters globally, in 2008. The WTAAA represents 11 regional markets across the globe, with regional and direct member associations in 67 countries worldwide.

    AFTA CEO Dean Long said the work that him and the team at AFTA do globally is critical to post-pandemic recovery.

    “As we enter a new recovery phase locally, the work we do globally to shape the international framework is critical especially given so many of the local issues in each market are born from global decisions,” Long said.

    AFTA CEO Dean Long

    “Many of the regulations that are implemented in Australia are set globally and they do have a direct impact on Australian consumers and trade.

    This weekend I was in Korea with AFTA’s colleagues from NZ, USA, Canada, South America, Korea, South Africa and Europe as we reviewed the global outcomes of the latest decisions by IATA.

    “While each market has a local consultative body, most final decisions that determine how we settle and pay airlines and the standards around NDC are made globally.”

    “At this meeting, among the issues considered, we signed off on a vital project relating to our international requirements for the future of NDC. This will ensure our members’ clients can access the products and services they wish to purchase through our members.”

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