WTAAA Urges Changes in Visa Processing

The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) reports urging governments to take steps to increase the flow of travelers around the world by streamlining visa processes. “Inconsistent and costly visa procurement procedures impose unnecessary barriers to travelers, and thereby inhibits global economic growth,” said WTAAA Chair Peter Barlow.

WATAA  held its bi-annual board meeting in Madrid, April 17-18, 2012. WTAAA meets twice a year to discuss the management of issues that affect travel industry professionals across the world and to share common problem-solving strategies.
 
"We had a robust two days discussing a wide range of distribution, industry and regulatory issues, from the unbundling of airfares to the need for a global crisis communications platform,” said Barlow.
 
The WTAAA board also unanimously agreed to offer a membership invitation to the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies (ABAV).
 
The WTAAA board also thanked World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for updating the board on its global crisis communications strategy. In addition, WTAAA thanked Amadeus and Manuel Butler, director general of TURESPAÑA, for their meeting support.
 
WTAAA will hold its next bi-annual board meeting and annual general assembly Sept. 10-12, 2012 in Washington, D.C.
 
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) acts as the global travel agency voice through the exchange of ideas and information.

WTAAA members include the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA), Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA), Travel Agency Federation of India (TAFI) and Travel Agents' Association of New Zealand (TAANZ).

Visit www.ASTA.org