Recognising the benefits of a single, strengthened, exclusive representative organisation at EU level, the International Federation of Tour Operators has handed over its core activities and mission to ECTAA, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association. 

The merger recognises that there is no greater strategic imperative for the international travel industry than to establish its proper place in the world, and as a result, its long term sustainable future in the context of a low carbon society, where that place in society is defined first by what the industry brings to the destination communities who receive tourists and then by the benefits for those who visit.

To accomplish the new mission and objectives, ECTAA has created a new dedicated Destination and Sustainability Committee, which has competencies for:

1. Sustainability, including the Environment, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism.
2. Health and Safety
3. Crisis Communications Coordination 
4. Destinations Policy – creating the conditions for thriving and sustainable destinations worldwide and minimising the barriers to the free movement of people (through taxes, visas, charges, etc.) which impact on sustainable development, the promotion of good and best practice planning, etc.

Said Chairman of the Destination and Sustainability Committee, Mr. Claude Perignon:”The move by the two associations to merge their resources and activities together shows the commitment of the industry to advance sustainability in travel and tourism.”

Date of publication: 8th November 2010