WATA–World Association of Travel Agencies

WATA – World Association of Travel Agencies

Photo: Logo of WATA

· WATA stands for World Association of Travel Agencies.
· It was established on May 5th, 1949.
· Its headquarter is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
· Initially started with 8 travel agents from five European countries namely France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland.
· First President of WATA(World Association of Travel Agencies) is Mr Daniel V. DEDINA from France.
· It is a non-profit international association.
· WATA specializes in tailor-made, leisure groups, Fits, and MICE services.
· It aims to bring together Destination Management Companies from different countries of the world.
· It gives membership to only one company per country.
· All the Members adhere to similar ethical values and aim at bringing the customer the best of their individual destinations.

OBJECTIVE

WATA is an international organisation of selected travel agencies dedicated to the enhancement of the professionalism and profitability of member agents through mutual cooperation and global networking. Its members are committed to the highest standards of business ethics and quality of service to clients.

PRINCIPALS AND CRITERIA FOR MEMBER SELECTION

ü Small to medium sized companies.
ü Independent owner managed.
ü Based at the destination they cover with their services.
ü Adhering to high ethical standards.
ü Enjoying an excellent local reputation, among the leader DMC’s(Destination Management Company) in terms of quality and creativity in their destination.
ü Dedicated to tailor made travel solutions for MICE, FIT’s and Groups.
ü Knowledge of service providers in destinations for best negotiations.
ü Experience, know-how.
ü Creative and quick answers to your requirements.
ü Neutral professional advices.
ü Coordination of services.
ü Efficient on-site assistance.
ü Practical and concrete solutions.
ü Responsibility.

WATA ADMINISTRATION

§ The Executive Committee which is the decision making body of the association is elected by its members.
§ The committee is responsible for the administration and direction of the Association, its relationship with members and third parties, the fulfilling of the aims of the Association, compliance with the Articles of Association and Rules, resolutions of the General Assembly and ensures the legal representation of the Association.
§ The Executive Committee and the Secretary General are committed to keeping WATA a highly dedicated, enthusiastic and “democratic” network where plans and activities are constantly discussed with all Members and adapted to include new ideas.
§ Current President of the association: Moris K. Kasar (Moris Tourism Inc, Turkey).
§ Current Secretary General: Christine Fournier.
§ The yearly General Assembly of WATA is organized upon invitation of one of our Member DMCs (Destination Management Company).
§ WATA participates in various international marts such as IMEX Frankfurt, IBTM World Barcelona.
§ WATA organises various seminars to discuss and disseminate important information.

WATA MEMBERS

WATA has two categories of members i.e. Travel & F.I.T Destinations and MICE Destinations Members:

a. Travel & F.I.T Destination members list:

Armenia	Ethiopia	Israel	Portugal	Uganda
Austria	Faroe Islands	Italy	Qatar	USA
Bhutan	Finland	Korea	Romania
Brazil	France	Lebanon	Russia
Cape Verde	Georgia	Madagascar	Slovakia
China	Germany	Mongolia	Spain
Croatia	Ghana	Morocco	Sudan
Czech Republic	Greece	Namibia	Sweden
Denmark	Greenland	Nepal	Switzerland
Dubai - U.A.E	Hungary	Norway	Syria
Egypt	Iceland	Peru	Tanzania
Estonia	India	Poland	Turkey