The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has welcomed Otto de Vries as its new executive director.
De Vries, also CEO of the Association of Southern African Travel
Agents (ASATA), brings 35 years of industry expertise to his global
role.
"Our primary focus will be championing transparency for consumers in
terms of choice and options, regardless of the travel distribution
channel, and to foster greater collaboration between agencies and
related travel partners across the travel ecosystem through open
communication and engagements that bring both sides together,” said de
Vries.
In WTAAA, de Vries aims to re-establish the Passenger Agency
Programme Task Force with IATA to provide business solutions benefiting
airlines and travel agencies.
WTAAA will address concerns related to IATA's New Distribution
Capability, working towards seamless adoption that benefits both
industry players and travelers.
Beyond airlines, WTAAA, under de Vries' leadership, is set to engage with entities like WTTC and UN Tourism (formerly known as UNWTO until a recent rebranding)
on key industry issues. The alliance will also advocate for agencies in
areas such as "duty of care," ensuring the wellbeing of travellers.
De Vries expressed enthusiasm for his role, stating, “My role is to
ensure that WTAAA member organisation’s voices are heard in critical
discussions on matters that impact the travel and tourism industry and
to collaborate on the sustainable growth of our sector.”