The newly elected board of the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) includes a familiar face on its new Executive Committee—Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association.
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance’s newly elected Executive Committee brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to advocacy. One familiar name on the committee is Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long, who will now serve as joint Vice Chair and act as a voice for Australian travel agents internationally.
The WTAAA’s new Executive Committee is led by Chair Wendy Paradis (ACTA), with Vice Chairs Paula Cortés (FOLATUR) and Dean Long (ATIA). Previously, Long was WTAAA Treasurer.
Eric Drésin (ECTAA) serves as Secretary, Hamza Rahmat (MATTA) as Treasurer, and Otto De Vries (ASATA) as Executive Director. Mark Meader (ASTA) chairs the Land & Sea Committee, while Christian Möller heads the Air Matters Committee.
“I am confident that this diverse and experienced team will guide the WTAAA to new heights of influence and effectiveness,” said Ms Paradis.
Who are the World Travel Agents Association?
Incorporated in 2008 as a non-profit organisation, the WTAAA represents travel agents in 58 countries and six continents and advocates for industry-wide improvements.
Under the leadership of its newly elected board, including Long, The WTAAA has outlined a decisive strategy to support travel agents in an evolving industry. Announced during its General Assembly and Board Meeting in Athens, Greece, the plan emphasises effective advocacy, stronger communication, and expanding global engagement.
Central to the WTAAA’s priorities are:
- Addressing the complexities of New Distribution Capability (NDC) and Modern Airline Retailing (MAR).
- Combatting travel fraud to protect agents and their clients.
- Tackling professional fee challenges.
“We must ensure that the promises of NDC translate into tangible benefits for both travel sellers and consumers. Transparency, fair competition, and consumer protection must be at the forefront of this evolution,” said Otto De Vries, WTAAA Executive Director.
What are The WTAAA’s initiatives for 2025 and beyond?
The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance agenda highlights several strategic objectives:
- Advancing Industry Communication: Strengthening dialogue across the travel trade to address shared challenges.
- Global Expansion: Recruiting new allied members, particularly in Africa, and diversifying partnerships with technology providers, payment solutions companies, and other stakeholders.
- Combatting Fraud: Providing agents with tools and resources to mitigate travel fraud risks.
- Empowering Members: Supporting professional fee discussions and delivering initiatives that protect travel agents’ interests.
To find out more about the World Travel Agents Association, visit wtaaa.org
