Unit 18 International Travel and Tourism Organizations PDF

UNIT 18 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS Structure 18.1 Objectives 18.2 Introduction 18.3 UNTWO 18.3.1Aims& Objective of UNWTO 18.3.2Membership of UNWTO 18.3.3Organizational Structure of UNWTO 18.3.4Committees of UNWTO 18.3.5Role and Contributi...

UNIT 18 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS Structure 18.1 Objectives 18.2 Introduction 18.3 UNTWO 18.3.1Aims& Objective of UNWTO 18.3.2Membership of UNWTO 18.3.3Organizational Structure of UNWTO 18.3.4Committees of UNWTO 18.3.5Role and Contribution of UNWTO 18.4 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 18.4.1Aims and Objectives of PATA 18.4.2PATA Membership 18.4.3PATA Chapters 18.4.4Roles and Functions of PATA 18.4.5PATA and India 18.5 International Air Transport Association (IATA) 18.5.1Objectives of IATA 18.5.2Membership of IATA 18.5.3Organizational Structure of IATA 18.5.4Roles and Contribution of IATA 18.6 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 18.6.1ICAO objectives 18.6.2Member states 18.6.3Structure of ICAO 18.6.4Functions of ICAO 18.7 The American Society of Travel Agent (ASTA) 18.7.1Objectives of ASTA 18.7.2Membership of ASTA 18.7.3Role and Functions of ASTA 18.8 Universal Federation of Travel Agent Association (UFTAA) 18.8.1Objectives of UFTAA 18.8.2Role and Contribution of UFTAA 18.9 Let’s Sum up 18.10 Answer to Check Your Progress Exercises 18.11 Further Readings 18.12 Terminal Questions 18.1 OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you should be able to –  understand the overview of tourism organizations  know about the various international organizations of the tourism industry  to give a general overview of international organizations, with a focus on analyzing their powers and operational areas  discuss each organization’s roles,functions, and contributions to the tourism industry 18.2 INTRODUCTION Tourism Organizations are the formidable agencies/bodies accountable for the promotion of tourism at the international, national, regional, and local levels. A variety of tourism-related organizations have emerged out of the need and demand for tourism to be given a rightful place in the policy and programmes. They have played an important role in the formulation of tourism policy, planning, promotion, infrastructure development, tourist rights protection, negotiations, etc.These bodies largely work for coordination, grievance redressal, technical, and fincial support, etc that help in generating foreign currency, employments, national interest, and, in certain cases, they play a critical role in thedevelopment stage of tourism. Some organizations represent the public institutions or organizations or governments and some are controlled and managed by private sectors or commercial sectors. However, many international tourism organizations have emerged, representing both the public and private sectors. This Unit will cover the noted tourism organizations such as UNWTO, 18.3 UNWTO The World Tourism Organization (WTO), changed to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2005 is a United Nations’ official organization is entrusted with the task and responsibility of global tourism promotion marketing and development. The UNWTO is the predecessor of the International Congress of Official Tourist Traffic Associations (ICOTTA), which was founded in the Hague in 1925. It was created in 1934 by the International Union of Official Tourist Propaganda (IUOTOP).After World War-II, it was renamed as the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO) in Geneva withthe approval and memberships of 109 National Tourist Organizations (NTOs) and 88 associated members. During the 1960s, the UNWTO worked for tourism promotion and development at international, regional, and national levels. This is specialized inter-governmental machinery to maintain the pace of tourist development. Based on the proposal of the IUOTO members in 1967, the organization got transformed into an intergovernmental institution with the mandate to deal with all tourism-related issues worldwide, and work with other international organizations. The UNWTO’s laws were adopted at the IUOTO’s Extraordinary General Assembly in Mexico on September 27, 1970. The World Tourism Organization was renamed as the International Union of Tourism Organizations (IUTO) in May 1975, and its first General Assembly was convened in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat was established in Madrid, with the first infrastructure for running the office of IUTO donated by the Spanish Government. The 27th of September was declared as the World Tourism Day in 1979 and its commemoration is held on September 27th every year. 18.3.1 AIMS & OBJECTIVE OF UNWTO The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) aims to promote peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights through tourism by stimulating economic growth and job creation, providing incentives, protecting the environment and cultural heritage, and promoting peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights. The UNWTO’s primary objectives are as follows:  To generate job possibilities.  To contribute to international peace by increasing global understanding and cooperation among all nations.  To promote interpersonal connections and intercultural understanding.  To promote and develop ethical, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.  To encourage and grow public-private sector collaboration.  To develop a worldwide code of ethics for travel and tourism and encourage its use.  To assist in the equitization of economic possibilities.  To coordinate and collaborate in the promotion and development of tourism with other international organizations.  To concentrate on the improvement of tourist destinations.  To encourage people to use information technology.  To improve the human resources department.  Through high-quality education and training, promote and disseminate the message of peace and harmony.  To create a conceptual framework for tourism and encourage others to utilize it. 18.3.2 MEMBERSHIP OF UNWTO In 2003, the UNWTO had 141 member nations, seven territories, and 360 associate members, which included private sector educational institutions, tourist organizations, and municipal tourism agencies. Three types of membership. 4. Full Member All sovereign states are eligible to join. There are now 141 full members 5. Associate Member All territories that are not in charge of their foreign relations are eligible for associate membership. The membership requires the government’s prior permission, as it is responsible for their foreign connections. Seven territories are currently linked as members. 6. Affiliated Member Affiliate members include a diverse spectrum of organizations and businesses are involved in travel, tourism, and related industries such as airlines, cruise lines, transportation, hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies, and other travel-related enterprises.  The UNWTO Business Council  The UNWTO Education Council  The UNWTO Task Force in Destination Management The UNWTO is the only intergovernmental organization that allows operating sector members to join and provide a unique forum for dialogue between government officials, and business executives. Regular meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences on particular topics like e-tourism, business or technological innovation, and burning topics, with the public-private sector partnership. They are broad-based scheduled activities meant for affiliated memberships. 18.3.3 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE A Secretary-General, Executive Council, Regional Commissioners, Committees, and secretariat, among other things, manage the UNWTO. The General Assembly, which meets once a year, has overall authority and management of the UNWTO. 1. General Assembly General Assembly is the most important body in the UNTWO. Members, and associate members form and manage the General Assembly. Members of affiliate organisations and representatives from other international organisations may be invited to take part in as observers and it elects a Secretary-General every four years. The General Assembly meets once a year to approve the budget and work schedule and to discuss matters of critical relevance to the tourist industry. 2. Executive Council It is critical to the UNWTO’s successful operation. In reality, the Executive Council, which is part of the UNWTO’s Governing Board, is accountable for making sure that the organization’s duties are completed in order to meet its goals and objectives. The board is consisted of 27 members who are elected in a one-to-five ratio by the general assembly twice a year. As observers, representatives from associate and affiliate members are welcome to attend the Executive Council meetings. 3. Regional Commissions The UNWTO has formed a regional commission to improve and assist the National Tourism Administration’s efforts. The UNWTO includes six regional commissioners i.e. Africa, the Americas, East Asia ,and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. The regional representative, who is based in Madrid, Spain as its headquaters, pays special attention to each region. The commissions meet for at least a year and establish contacts and communications with the full, associate, and affiliate members. Affiliate members function as observers. The UNWTO has established a specialised technical support programme to aid in the growth of tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa. 18.3.4 COMMITTEES OF UNWTO The UNWTO has created a number of committees consisting of Full, Associate, and Affiliate members to advise the organization’s administration and assist in achieving its goals. The committees are as follows;  Finance and Budget Committee  Micro-economical analysis and statistic Committee  The quality support Committee  Education Council  Business Council  Sustainable development of the Tourism Committee  Tourism Ethics Committee Secretariat of UNWTO The UNWTO is run by the Secretariat, which has a power and responsibility structure. The Secretary-General is in charge of the UNWTO Secretariat, and these officers are in charge of putting the UNWTO programmes into effect. 18.3.5 Role and Contribution of UNWTO In terms of foreign exchange earnings, tourism is the fastest-growing economic sector, job generation, and an essential component in the balance of payments for more than a dozen nations. The UNWTO has been playing an important role in bringing tourism to the forefront of global, regional, and national agenda. Since its foundation in 1924, the UNWTO has undertaken a number of efforts to promote and expand tourism in a scientific and methodical way, including:  Foster multicultural understanding as well as personal friendships.  Encourage tourism investment.  Assist in the equalisation of economic possibilities.  Promote worldwide cooperation and peace.  Development of the region.   Promote responsible and sustainable tourism.  Collaborate and cooperate with international tourist development agencies.  Assist in the provision of leadership and high-quality education.  Planning and administration of tourist destinations.  Encourage the use of technology.  Create a statistical analysis.  Foster a sense of morality and social responsibility  Check Your Progress A 1) What is UNWTO and its purpose? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2) What are the programs and initiatives established by the UNWTO to address the current challenges? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 3) Discuss the Functions of UNWTO ________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 18.4 PACIFIC ASIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (PATA) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the world’s largest travel promotion body. It encourages visitors to travel to and within the Pacific area. It was formed in 1951 as a non- profit, and non-political organization with the mission of developing, promoting, and facilitating tourism to Pacific regions. The PATA was founded in Hawaii in 1951. Its head office was relocated from Hawaii to San Francisco in 1953. PATA had its inaugural meeting in Honolulu in January 1952, and in 1976, it opened its first Asian office in Manila, Philippines. PATA’s 32 local chapters across the world are home to thousands of travel professionals, while its 28 student chapters are home to hundreds of students. There are 44 original members of the Association. Lorrain Thurston, a renowned Honolulu newspaper publisher, had the concept to organise all travel from the Occident to the Pacific area in a uniform, coherent, and methodical way, assuring maximum advantage from current possibilities and the creation of new ones through multimedia exposure. 18.4.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PATA The PATA is the world’s biggest non-profit, non-political travel and tourism organisation. The PATA’s mission is to promote and grow tourism, as well as advance the interests of its members. The PATA is a membership organisation that promotes the responsible growth of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism sector.  To endorse and increase tourism in the Pacific region, as well as to keep people informed.  To host conferences and seminars for members.  To organize training and development programmes for member  To encourage ethical behaviour.  To concentrate on the development of tourist destinations.  To encourage and develop partnerships between the public and commercial sectors  To promote worldwide understanding and cooperation by providing a shared venue.  To provide a common platform for discussion  To provide information about the tourist sector 18.4.2 PATA MEMBERSHIP (i) Active Government, (ii) Associate Government (iii) Active Carrier (iv) Associate Carrier (v) Active Industry (vi) Allied (vii) Affiliated Allied (vim) Associate (ix) Sustaining (i) Active Government Members: The major official organisation named by the government of any Pacific nation, territory, or political entity, whether entirely or partially. (ii) Associate Government Members: Any organisation certified or approved by the government of any nation, territory, or political division outside the Pacific area with the responsibility of domestic or international tourism promotion, as designated by the government of any nation, territory, or political division outside the Pacific area, is an Associate Government Member.  iii) Active Carrier Members: An Active Carrier Member is any government-recognized, registered, or licenced air or steamship company that operates vehicles with individual passenger capacity of more than twelve persons and provides regular scheduled common carrier passenger service to and within the Pacific region. (iii) Associate Carrier Members: Any government-approved passenger carrier that operates a vehicle that (a) carries twelve or fewer people and provides regular scheduled common carriage passenger service. (b) transports a group of twelve or more people on a regular basis in a shared carriage. However, active carrier members, on the other hand, are not permitted to provide passenger service on a regular common carriage basis. (iv) Active Industry Members: Hotel organisations with management authority over one or more hotels with a total of 1,000 or more guest rooms in one or more Pacific areas, as opposed to simply sales, advertising, or reservations direction, as well as tour operator organisations that do not provide air or ship transportation, are considered the Active Industry Members. (v) Allied Members: Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel representatives, and businesses that operate as general agents or represent various sectors of the Pacific travel sector are among the Allied Members. (vi) Affiliated Allied Members: The branch offices of allied member travel agencies or tour operators are known as Affiliated Allied Members. (vii) Associate Members: Communication media, media agencies, advertising, and public relations businesses are all Associate Members. 18.4.3 PATA CHAPTERS The PATA has established a well-defined regional and promotional chapter network. Regional chapters around the Pacific region disseminate information, provide training programmes for members, enhance plant and service quality, and promote regional tourism traffic. The promotional chapters are responsible for promoting the tourism sector outside of the Pacific area. In practice, the operations of these chapters are targeted at promoting tourist traffic in the Pacific region by hosting monthly member meetings. In a range of Pacific locations, organising trade fairs, educational programmes, untapped natural resources, and seminars/conferences are the major activities of PATA. The Chapters also perform a lot of advertising and organise social events for the members many times a year. The Chapters’ specific aims are as follows:   To bring PATA member representatives together on a regular basis in order to build a stronger working relationship and a better knowledge of travel challenges in the Pacific.  Within the framework of PATA, to achieve consistency and coordinated action by members in pursuing national and local policies.  To carry out specified PATA goals and initiatives.  To forward issues authorised by PATA to relevant government and official organisations, and to seek action as and when needed.  To forward issues authorised by PATA to relevant government and official organisations, and to seek action as and when needed.  To process in general and get Chapter members’ opinions on any PATA requirement or aim. (vi) To offer a forum for individual Chapter members to better effectively carry out their different allocated tasks for marketing travel and delivering services to tourists to the Pacific region. 18.4.4 ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PATA PATA’s primary goal is to advance the development and promotion of tourism in its member nations. The following points can be used to examine PATA’s contributions, roles, and functions to its members: PATA  undertakes tourist research projects.  coordinates marketing campaigns.  provides accurate and up-to-date data.  coordinates Pacific-region events.  sssists in the growth of the economy.  contributes to the enhancement of tourism plants and services.  assists member nations in implementing remedial measures to boost tourist flow. 18.4.5 PATA AND INDIA India joined the PATA as an associate member in 1957. Then, in 1964, India joined the PATA as an active member. In addition, India was the first country from the Pacific area to join PATA. India has also joined the PATA because it believes it would get benefits from a portion of the world’s growing tourism destination generating region. It also helps the country by exposing it to the current marketing and promotion techniques for tourism. The 15th annual conference was held in Delhi, India in 1966. The meeting lasted five days. In addition, 500 participants from all over the country attended the conference. A new annual conference was organised in India in 1978, following a twelve-year gap. “The Challenge of Change” was the theme of the conference. The conference in 1978 had more than 1500 attendees. Furthermore, it was the largest PATA meeting ever held. 18.5 INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) was formed in 1945 by a group of airlines from across the world to govern civil aviation around the world. It is the successor to the Hague-based International Air Transport Association, which was formed in 1919. It received its legal status as a non-governmental organisation in December 1945, according to a special Act of the Canadian Parliament.In terms of operations and organisational structure, it is quite similar to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). IATA is a non- profit, and non-political democratic association that welcomes any operational airline granted a government-issued licence to offer scheduled air services. 18.5.1 OBJECTIVES OF IATA IATA is a non-political, and commercial regulatory organisation with the authority to monitor all of its members' actions. The major objectives of IATA are as follows:  To make aircraft travel for people all around the world safe, dependable, and inexpensive.  To create a way for people to work together.  To avoid economic waste as a result of unfair competition.  To encourage the development and use of aeroplanes for peaceful purposes  To promote, and expand international tourism  To offer a single platform for travel agencies, and tour operators  To provide members with training, and education opportunities.  To work with the ICAO and other international and state organisations. 18.5.2 MEMBERSHIP OF IATA 1. Active Members 2. Associate Members 3. Allied Members Active Members: Any air transport company that has been granted a licence to conduct a scheduled air service for the transportation of people, mail, or cargo between the territory of two countries is eligible to join the organisation as an active member. The articles of association provide different rights, obligations, and responsibilities for these members. In this category, there are around 275 registred air transportation companies or operators from 200 countries. The articles of association provide different rights, obligations, and responsibilities for these members. In this category, there are now around 275 air transportation businesses from 200 countries on the membership register. Associate Members: Any organization/enterprise engaged in air transport under the flag of a state and authorised to join ICAO is eligible to join IATA as an associate member. Any associate member who has been a member for ninety days qualifies for active membership. However, unless it applies to the Executive Committee for conversion to active membership during that time, its associate membership shall be immediately cancelled. Any member who wishes to terminate their membership must notify the Director General in writing. The Executive Committee may also terminate a member’s membership on the following grounds, but only after sufficient substantiation: i. A violation of one or more articles of the association or any rule by the member in question. ii. Failure of the member in question to follow any of the association's procedures. iii. Adoption of unethical and unlawful methods. Allied Members: Allied members can deal with airline tickets and use the IATA logo for any purpose after becoming members. Travel agencies/tour operators, as well as those that sell airline tickets to the general public on behalf of airlines, are eligible for this type of membership. All candidates for membership in the association must submit an application in the specified form for review and action by the Executive Committee, and they may only become active, associate, or affiliated members once IATA approves them. Any organisation whose membership application is denied by the Executive Committee, on the other hand, has the opportunity to present at the next General Meeting of Members, and the decision made there is considered final. Figure 18.1 presents organizational structure of IATA. 18.5.3 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF IATA Figure 18.1 : Organizational Structure of IATA Source: The meeting is primarily responsible for two things: (a) The association's internal affairs and (b) functions include finance, accounting, medical, traffic conference, legal, technical, and other industry-related activities and internal affairs include such things as the president’s appointment and the budget’s approval. 18.5.4 ROLES AND CONTRIBUTION OF IATA The IATA is a non-profit organisation that oversees civil aviation across the world. In the travel business and civil aviation, the IATA is a key participant. Some of IATA’s most noteworthy responsibilities and contributions are as follows:  To provide a centralized platform for addressing many of the industry's problems.  To help travel agencies and tour operators retain their expertise and integrity in the tourism sector.  To help simplify the travel process.  To assist governments in the creation of civil aviation and paid tourist policy, as well as in the marketing and growth of tourism.  To establish the criteria for a travel trade organization’s approval. Check your Progress B  1. What are the contributions of IATA to the air transport industry ? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the main objectives of IATA? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 3. What are the benefits of obtaining IATA membership? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 18.6 INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO) The International Commission for Air Navigation (ICAN) was the forerunner of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In 1903, it held its first convention in Berlin, Germany, but the eight countries in attendance were unable to make an agreement. The Second Congress, held in Berlin in 1906, drew a total of twenty-seven nationalities. At the third convention, held in London in 1912, the first radio call signs for airplanes were issued. On December 7, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, 52 countries signed the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, or Chicago Convention.The provisions of the agreement called for the creation of a Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation (PICAO) which would be replaced by a permanent body after twenty-six countries had signed it. As a result, on June 6, 1945, the PICAO was created to take over from the ICAN. The twenty-sixth country ratified the treaty on March 5, 1947, and the PICAO was deactivated on April 4, 1947, with the ICAO taking over on the same day. The ICAO was established as a United Nations institution in October 1947, reporting to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In April 2013, Qatar proposed being the Organization’s next permanent seat. Qatar planned to build a huge new ICAO headquarters and fund all relocation costs, stating that Montreal was too far away from Europe and Asia and had severe winters, was difficult to visit due to the Canadian government’s delayed visa procedure, and that Canada’s ICAO taxes were too high. The proposal of Qatar could be acceptable to the members for which Monetreal has become the headquarters of ICAO. 18.6.1 ICAO OBJECTIVES The organization’s main objectives are to enhance international air navigation ideas and processes while also promoting international air transportation planning and development in order to:  Ensure that international civil aviation grows in a safe and orderly manner across the world  Encourage the creation and operation of aircraft for peaceful purposes   Promote the construction of international civil aviation airways, airports, and navigational facilities  Provide safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective air transportation to the people of the world;  Ensure that international civil aviation grows in a safe and orderly manner across the world;  Encourage the creation and operation of aircraft for peaceful purposes  Promote the growth of international civil aviation's airways, airports, and navigational facilities.  Meet the needs of the people of the world for safe, regular, efficient, and economical air transport.  Prevent economic squandering due to unfair competition.  Ensure that the rights of contracting states are adequately honoured, and that each contracting country has an equal opportunity to operate international airlines.  Ensure that there should be no discrimination between contracting states. In addition to the aforementioned, the ICAO offers suggestions to make air travel more convenient by reducing customs, immigration, public health, and other procedures. The organisation provides technical support to countries building civil aviation programmes as part of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Another major role of the Organization is to develop regional strategies for the ground infrastructure and services required by international flights. The organisation disseminates air transportation statistics and carried out aviation economics research. It also supports the formation of air law accords through the ICAO’s organisation. The Assembly is the ICAO’s main organ. The organization’s ultimate body is the ICAO Assembly, which is represented by organization’s members. It meets every three years to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Organization’s activities. It lays the groundwork for policy for the following three years.The Organization is administered by a council of 30 states, which is elected for a three-year term by the Assembly. The Assembly ensures that the following are adequately represented. i) Major air transport member states. ii) Those member nations that provide the greatest contribution to the provision of international civil aviation facilities are not elsewhere listed. (iii) Non-member nations whose election will guarantee that important geographical sections of the world are represented. The Council, as the organization’s governing body, gives the organization’s operations continual guidance. The Air Navigation Commission, which is comprised of 12 council members; the Air Transport Committee, which is comprised of council members and the Legal Committee, which is comprised of all ICAO members. The IATA & ICAO have a diverse set of activities and goals, suggesting that they are key actors in the expansion and growth of international air travel. 18.6.2 MEMBER STATES (SOURCE) The ICAO has 189 member nations as of May 9, 2006. Figure 18.2 presents the organizational structure of ICAO. Figure 18.2 : Organizational Structure of ICAO Source: 18.6.3 STRUCTURE The three major organs of ICAO are the assembly, council, and secretariat, all of which are overseen by the Secretary General. ASSEMBLY Every three years, the whole assembly convenes meeting its members. In the assembly, each member state has one vote, and decisions are determined by simple majority vote unless the Chicago Convention specifies otherwise. A number of cities have hosted sessions. The assembly provides policy proposals, assesses ICAO’s operations, advises other ICAO organisations, elects the council, and sets the budget. With a two-thirds majority vote, the assembly can change the ICAO constitution, which it has done numerous times. Amendments, on the other hand, do not take effect until they have received the approval of at least two-thirds of the ICAO member states, as stated by the assembly. COUNCIL The Council is a permanent body consisting 36 member states who are selected for three-year terms by the assembly. The Chicago Convention requires the assembly to offer appropriate representation to states with considerable air transport importance as well as the governments that contribute the biggest share of infrastructure for international civil air navigation, while deciding on the council’s membership. It has the power to resolve disputes between member nations over the interpretation and application of the Chicago Convention and its annexes. It has the authority to investigate any situation that might obstruct the growth of international air navigation. It has extensive authority to take any action required to ensure the safety and regularity of international air transportation operations. SECRETARY GENERAL AND SECRETARIAT The Secretariat of the ICAO is overseen by a Secretary General who is chosen by the Council. The Secretary General chooses the ICAO secretariat’s employees and oversees and controls its operations. For a three-year tenure commencing August 1, 2003, the Council nominated Algerian Dr. TaebChérif as Secretary General. The ICAO’s offices are located at 999 University Street in Montreal’s downtown area, in a 15-story skyscraper with substantial conference facilities. The ICAO maintains regional offices in Paris, Bangkok, Cairo, Mexico City, Nairobi, Lima, and Dakar to assist member governments in delivering aviation services. To support member nations in delivering aviation services, the ICAO has regional offices in Paris, Bangkok, Cairo, Mexico City, Nairobi, Lima, and Dakar. 18.6.4 FUNCTIONS OF ICAO i) To specify the air accident investigation procedures used by signatory agencies to the International Civil Aviation Convention in their respective countries. ii) To be in charge of international civil aviation’s air navigation rules and practises, infrastructure, flight inspection, interference prevention, and border-crossing procedures. 18.7 THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL AGENT (ASTA) In the travel and tourism industry, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the largest and most prominent professional travel trade organisation. In 1931, the American Steamship and Tourist Agent Association was formed, but in 1945, the name was changed to “The American Society of Travel Agent Inc”. The ASTA was given its present name to inspire programmers to enhance the travel industry, promote ethical standards, and create a public forum for travel agents. There are around 25,000 active members, with 1800 active members and the remainder being allied and associate members. Airlines, hotels, railroads, government tourist offices, and government organisations are affiliated and associate members, while travel agents and tour operators are active members. 18.7.1 OBJECTIVES OF ASTA The major goal of ASTA is to promote and advance the interests of its members while also protecting individuals travelling from fraud, deception, and other unethical acts. The following are the additional sub-objectives:  To educate and train then members.  To provide a common meeting place.  To plan seminars, conferences, and conventions related to travel.  To create a way for people to work together.  To publish information on the tourism business. The ASTA has 58 chapters, with 28 in the United States and Canada and the remaining 30 in various nations. The elected officers and executive committees are in charge of running the functions of ASTA. The members elect the president and chairman of the board for a two-year term. The day-to- day operations are overseen by an executive vice president, who is aided by professional personnel. 18.7.2 MEMBERSHIP OF ASTA The ASTA is a major player in the travel and tourism industry. The ASTA has about 25,000 members, with 18,000 active members and the rest being allied and associate members. The ASTA is based in Virginia and is established and operated under New York State Corporation Law. The ASTA membership is open to anybody working in the travel and tourism industry. There are two types of membership in ASTA. Figure-18.3 presents the strcure of ASTA membership. Figure-18.3: Structure of ASTA Membership Source: ACTIVE MEMBERS Travel and tourism groups, firms, and enterprises that are actively involved in the travel industry are eligible to join. The ASTA has active members which are travel agencies and tour operators. ALLIED AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Those organisations, enterprises, and businesses that are not directly involved in the travel and tourism sector but contribute to the backward integration of travel business play a vital role as suppliers in the industry. The ASTA is consisted of associated and associate members that include airlines, hotels, trains, and government agencies. 18.7.3. ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF ASTA ASTA, a professional travel trade association that represents all areas of the industry, is helping to promote and develop the world’s fastest-growing industry. The ASTA primarily provides professional and technical support. provides a shared venue for exchanging thoughts. performs market research on a global scale. aids governments in the development of tourist policies and plans. safeguards visitors against unethical travel trade activities. conducts research, surveys, and public awareness campaigns to help travel agents thrive. For top executives of travel businesses, the ASTA provides a variety of training and management development programmes. The ASTA collaborates with all organisations and individuals involved in tourism-related activities in order to improve the travel industry's professional status. Check Your Progress C 1. What is ASTA? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 2. How does ASTA work with its members? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 3. What are role and functions of ASTA? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 18.8 UNIVERSAL FEDERATION OF TRAVEL AGENT ASSOCIATION (UFTAA) Travel agents and tour operators belong to the Universal Federation of Travel Agent Association. It is one of the major travel and tourist organisations in the world. In 1919, in Brussels, the International Federation of Travel Agencies (IFTAA) was founded. However, in 1996, the IFTAA got merged with the Universal Organisation of Travel Agents (UOTA) with the objective of improving global coordination, collaboration, and professionalism among travel agents. The name of the UOTA got changed to the Universal Federation of Travel Agent Associations (UFTAA). The association’s major goal is to promote, develop, and expand the travel and tourism sector across the world. In practice, it serves as an intermediary for travel brokers and foreign organisations. That is why, the UFTAA is regarded as one of the most important travel agency organisations and associations in the world. All national travel agents, as well as organisations like TAAI, IATO, AATTA, and EATTA, are the members of the UFTAA. Over 30,000 travel agencies from 120 countries are currently members of the organisation. The membership is divided into many categories. The members are in charge of running and controlling the organisation.The board now has 18 members that have been elected for two years. The Board of Directors, with the help of the secretary and management, oversee the operation of the organisation. 18.8.1 OBJECTIVES OF UFTAA The UFTAA is the major force in the promotion and development of travel and tourism, as well as its products.The UFTAA’S primary goals and objectives are as follows:  To guarantee that members are recognised in the public eye.  To safeguard interests against legislation and other types of legal action.  To serve as a bargaining entity.  To enhance one’s professional and business position, as well as to have more up-to- date information. 18.8.2 CONTRIBUTIONs AND ROLEs OF UFTAA The UFTAA is a non-profit organisation committed to the promotion of tourism and travel worlwide. It is a world-wide organisation that promotes travel and tourism. The UFTAA works to promote and enhance tourism on a national and worldwide level. The following are some of UFTAA’s key roles and contributions:  Promotion of the travel industry  Raise awareness of the destination  Collaborate with international organisations  Assistance in the resolution of a conflict  Creatation of a bobust integrated payment system  Scientific research and introduce a code of ethics  Assistance in the standardisation of relationships  Creatation of vocational training programmes  Condut of technological seminars and conferences.  Assistance of the members in sending payments to their vendors in foreign currencies 18.9 LET US SUM UP Tourism is such a complex business with so many distinct divisions, there is a need to connect and share data. As a result, a number of governmental and commercial organisations at the worldwide, regional, national, and even local levels have been established. Beside the businesses that provide services and facilities to tourists, there are a number of tourism organisations such as UNWTO, IATA, ICAO, ASTA, UFTAA, etc that play important roles in the industry. All these international organisations have been selected to orient you their roles and contributions towards the promotion of global travel and tourism. These bodies are functioning with international cooperation that reflects the international character of modern tourism thereby increasing international agencies in different allied sectors of tourism and travel. Tourist-friendly countries have formed a national tourism bureau to oversee the industry. 18.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS Check Your Progress A 1. See Sub-Sec 18.3.1 2. See Sec. 18.3 3. See sub-Sec 18.3.5 Check Your Progress B 1. See Sub-Sec 18.5.4 2. See Sub-Sec 18.5.1 3. See Sub-Sec 18.5.2 Check Your Progress C 1. See Sub-Sec 18.7.1 2. See Sub-Sec 18.7.2 3. See Sub-Sec 18.7.3 18.11 FURTHER READINGS Akoijam, T., Srivastav, A., Aggarwal, M., Rizwan, S. A., Bains, H., & Mishra, L. (2020). BTMC-133 History of Tourism-II. Bhatia, A. K. (2006). The business of tourism: concepts and strategies. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Fletcher, J., Fyall, A., Gilbert, D., &Wanhill, S. (2017). Tourism: Principles and practice. Pearson UK. Guo, Y., & Sun, K. (2011). Relationship in Travel Agency: A case of Chinese International Travel Service. Smith, R. A., & Siguaw, J. (Eds.). (2011). Strategic hospitality leadership: The Asian initiative. John Wiley & Sons. 18.12 TERMINAL QUESTIONS 7. What is the role of PATA in tourism industry? 8. What are the Aims and Objectives of PATA? 9. What is the role of the ICAO Council and how many members does it have? 10. What are the functions of UFTAA? Discuss the role and contribution of UFTAA?