The United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations (UFTAA) announced at its 42nd Congress and General Assembly that it has approved the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) Canada's request for membership in the worldwide association. ARTA Canada is affiliated with ARTA in the U.S.
UFTAA, created in 1966, is an international forum where matters affecting the world travel industry are addressed and which represents travel agents' activities before various worldwide bodies, governmental authorities, and suppliers of services. UFTAA is the largest travel agency "umbrella" organization, the members of which are the national travel agency associations in over 80 countries.
ARTA Canada President Bruce Bishins was asked to address UFTAA members and provide an update on and insight into the challenges faced by retail travel agencies in the Canadian marketplace. The presentation noted that travel agencies around the globe are facing very similar issues.
"We are delighted to join UFTAA and to leverage our collective experiences in paving a new, collaborative path in defending and enhancing the role of travel retailers around the world. I was very impressed with the global strategies detailed by UFTAA's delegates and board of directors and feel that ARTA Canada will benefit from and contribute greatly to these important initiatives", said Bishins.
Travel agencies have until Friday, October 31 to apply for free membership in ARTA Canada. Complete details and a membership application is available online at www.artacanada.ca/joinfree.